Xavier and Plot

SPOILERS

The use of the same disguise by the two villains, Corday and Latouche is an interesting plot device. I didn't get it the first time I watched it, ( having missed the ending ). I did wonder why Xavier appeared so many times throughout the story.

For the device to work, Corday and Latouche must have known that Chan was not only onto the forgery, but on to the identity of the forgeries, namely, themselves. And that Chan would be focusing his investigation on themselves. There seemed to be no build up or indication of this, during the story. Also, Nardi's involvement lacked some narrative. Maybe it was cut. I think the disguise device could have been set up a bit better. The reveal at the end was abrupt, and perhaps too facile. How did Chan, know that the alibi of Corday and Latouche was false? His conclusion seems to come out of the blue. Who knows, perhaps some of the story was edited out.

The device of the reveal reminds me of the Sherlock Holmes story, The Man With the Twisted Lip. In Conan Doyles story, the reveal is very well set up, so that the washing of the beggar's face, which reveals the disguise, really makes sense. But then, there is really only one character ( Sinclair ), instead of two involved, as in this story. I wonder how the writing of this Chan story evolved. I bet with the double disguise device, and then the characters built around this device.

The device of the disguise used by both Corday and Latouche, is revealed through a few flashbacks which are a valuable aid for the viewer. But I think the flashback could have come in earlier, such as when Chan interviewed, Corday and Latouche. Or perhaps, the direction could have made it more clear, by posing a question in the viewer's mind, somehow. Maybe close ups, instead of those medium shots, in conjunction with flashbacks.

Good film, though. Especially, Warner Oland.

My accountant says, "1 + 1, 40% of the time, equals divorce".