Held for Ransom (1938)

A rather confusing and frenetic crime drama. Rich tycoon Herbert Scott (Richard Lancaster) has been kidnapped. Despite the ransom being paid by his nephew Larry Scott (Grant Withers) Herbert remains a captive. The police suspect Larry may be in on the plot himself though the feds arn't sure and assign plucky agent Betty (Blanche Mehaffey) to tail Larry and find out what is going on...

Betty heads up country and soon finds out what is going on thanks to some cunning investigative work and a bit of derring do. The last act of the film ups the pace considerably and is not unlike the multiple set pieces and cliffhangers of a serial.

An enjoyable film despite the confusing plot early on, a female action lead was rare for the 1930s of course. The ambiguity of some of the characters also elevates the film, especially Larry Scott. We arn't sure whose side he is on until the last act.