A young John Wayne stars in this cheesy Mascot produced serial. It’s an action-packed 12 episode cliffhanger serial (with 20 minute chapters) that leaves the viewer guessing who is the villain up until the last moment. The Eagle, a former WW I flying ace, who was shot down by mistake by his own squadron during an air fight on May 23, 1918, returns from the dead and threatens a corporation whom he accuses of stealing his invention that is worth a fortune.

The Shadow of the Eagle

Chapter 1: The Carnival Mystery

Seeking revenge against the owners of an airplane factory who stole his top secret invention, a mysterious pilot known only as The Eagle begins a campaign of death and destruction. His attacks are always foreshadowed by ominous threats delivered in the form of skywriting. Prime suspect, carnival owner Nathan Gregory enlists the help of stunt pilot Craig McCoy in hunting down the aerial terrorist before he can strike again.

Craig McCoy (John Wayne) is a stunt pilot for a small traveling circus run by the economically scrapped, kindly cripple Nathan B. Gregory (Edward Hearn), who will turn up not crippled before the first chapter ends with an explanation that probably would draw raised eyebrows from any non-judgmental person including a saint like Mother Theresa. Given a c-note by a mysterious stranger for a sky writing message, Craig soon finds the message about the Eagle shook up the board of directors of a nearby company (coincidentally, all the directors were members of the same squadron as the Eagle). The directors realize Gregory is the Eagle, but he soon disappears (throughout Gregory will disappear and then return with the help of friends). Another sky writer claims Gregory is not the Eagle. Craig is framed and thought to be that sky writer who is working as an agent of the real Eagle, who possibly stole Gregory’s invention and left him broke and embittered. Craig is determined to find out what the heck is going on (which is the same problem the viewer has with this needlessly complex serial), who is the real Eagle and to convince Gregory’s cute single daughter Jean (Dorothy Gulliver) that he’s the real McCoy and that they would make fine soul mates. For 12 chapters Craig investigates the mystery with the help of Jean, a midget called Little Billy, a strongman and a ventriloquist.

Cast and Crew:

* John Wayne/Craig McCoy
* Dorothy Gulliver/Jean Gregory
* Edward Hearn/Col. Nathan B. Gregory

Director: Ford Beebe
Producer: Nat Levine
Production Company: Mascot Pictures Corporation
Audio/Visual: sound, B&W
Date Release: 1932

Additional details in: IMDB
Video streaming: courtesy of www.finemoviesonline.com

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