Murder With The Aid Of Algebra

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 37, 24 February 1939, Page 14

Murder With The Aid Of Algebra

["Gambhling Ship.’ Universal. Directed by Aubrey Scotto. With Helen Mack, Robert ilcox, Irving Pichel. Release date indefinite.] HERE are few things I like better than a really odious villain. That is why I have a soft spot for Irving Pichel. I remember with pleasure a film (but not its name) in which he always eased his soul, before and after murder, by playing Bach preIudes on the organ; and in Universal’s "Gambling Ship" he takes much the same sort of fantastically fascinating character, being a gang-

leader named "Professor," who bumps off his victims with the aid of algebra, Crooked gambling is the Professor’s pet racket, and he’s understandably annoyed when somebody opens up an opposition floating casino where the clientele can get a fair run for its money. ‘This opponent, believe it er not, is such an idealist that he supports an orphanage with the profits from the casino; and when lhe is eliminated by one of the Professor's bombs, his daughter (Helen Mack) keeps the gambling ship afloat and carries On the good work of taking from the rich to give to the poor little orphans. Enter Mr. X O the Professor sits down and works it all out by algebra, introducing an unknown quantity in-

to the equation in the form of a personable young rascal who gocs to work aboard the heroine’s philanthropic gambling-ship, and makes what is professionally known as "a play" for her. Buit-don’t tell me you guess-ed?-this bright lad (Robert Wilcox) is really a G-man in disguise, which means that the Professor’s equation deesn’t work out quite the way he had pianned. ‘ Orphans’ Outing QUSPENSE is introduced into the . final scenes by the familiar device of a time bomb, planted to explode just whep ali the dear little orphings are having an outing aboard the gambling ship. If you think this was hardly a suitable place to hold 2 children’s outing, let me assure you that the roulette tables were ali covered up and there wasn’t a poker chip in sight.