Nick Carter nos Trópicos

"Phantom Raiders" is the second of three Nick Carter mystery films made by MGM that starred Walter Pidgeon. His co-star in all three is Donald Meek who plays Bartholomew, a beekeeper and wanna-be detective. Carter calls him "Beeswax," and the bee man turns out to be a sharp sleuth in his own right. In this film he saves Nick's life at least twice. He always shows up in the nick of time - to save Nick.

This film takes place in Panama where Nick has gone on vacation and Bartholomew tracks him down to deliver a $5,000 check for his taking on an investigation of ship bombings or sinkings in the Pacific out of Panama. Nick discovers that an old acquaintance, Al Taurez, from a crime racket in the States has set up shop in Panama. A whole lot of characters are involved in this one, but Nick solves it.

This series of Carter mysteries was made during World War II, but before the U.S. entered the war. While moviegoers would be getting newsreel reports of the war in Europe and somewhat in China, there would be no hint of a war going on in these films.

This film has some notable supporting actors of the day, including Joseph Schildkraut, Nat Pendleton and Cecil Kellaway. In each of these films, Carter has an image of a playboy and he seems to go for floozies. Still, Pidgeon is a delight to watch as an actor for his amiable persona - even when he is commanding.

None of these films were first class productions. The plot is somewhat choppy and the screenplay is just fair. But, it's an enjoyable enough film to watch on a rainy day.

Here are some favorite lines from the film.

Bartholomew, "This Mr. Taurez seems to be a man of generous nature." Nick Carter "Ah, yeah, Nick, would give his best friend a knife in the back any day."

Nick Carter, "Uh, I don't suppose you're a spy?" Cora Barnes, "Oh, but I am. Everyone in Colon's a spy. Haven't you seen the sign in the movie theaters? No spies under 18 admitted."

Nick Carter, "Al, you look different." Al Taurez, "Well, perhaps you miss the handcuffs, hnh,hnh."

Nick Carter, "Tell me, Al, what became of the Cleaners and Dyers Union you used to run in the old days?" Al Taurez, "Oh, Nick, you know I'm superstitious. When 13 G-men started looking for me on a Friday, I figured that was bad luck and I got out of town."