Cast
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George Sanders
as Simon Templar
Wendy Barrie
as Ruth Summers
Jonathan Hale
as Inspector Henry Fernack
Paul Guilfoyle
as Clarence 'Pearly' Gates
Morgan Conway
as Sam Reese
Robert Emmett Keane
as Leo Sloan
Cy Kendall
as Max Bremer (as Cyrus W. Kendall)
James Burke
as Patrolman Mike
Robert Middlemass
as Captain Wade
Roland Drew
as Albert 'Rocky' Weldon aka Rocks
Nella Walker
as Lucy Fernack
Pierre Watkin
as Ben Egan
William Bakewell
as Shipboard Card Player
Joseph E. Bernard
as Customs Inspector
Ralph Brooks
as Nightclub Patron
Crew
Director
- Jack Hively
Producer
- Howard Benedict
Reviews
CinemaSerf
When a police inspector is suspended on suspicion of fraud, it falls to his eponymous friend (George Sanders) to get to the bottom of things. It seems "Fernack" (Jonathan Hale) was found with $50,000 in his safe! Conclusive? Well soon our sleuth discovers that there is a cabal of five hoodlums determined to ruin his friend. Well they are, until, suddenly they themselves start dropping like flies. Are they betraying each other or is someone on the outside seeking revenge? "Templar" assisted by his police buddy, the not entirely trustworthy safecracker "Gates" (Paul Guilfoyle) and the slightly enigmatic "Ruth" (Wendy Barrie) who has penchant for roses must now identify and expose the culprit. Sanders was always good as the debonair, considered, detective who uses the minimum of brute force to apprehend his foes. Here the story is quite well written with a few red herrings and just enough intrigue to keep it interesting for just over an hour. Of course there's no jeopardy, but the denouement has a degree of sophistication to it that I found quite fun.
Dec 1, 2023
Thematic Analysis
The Saint Takes Over represents a fascinating example of Crime/Mystery cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Jack Hively brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1940, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Saint Takes Over took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 69 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 111 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 73 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1940, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Saint Takes Over shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Saint, which focuses more on action than character development, The Saint Takes Over offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Saint in New York and The Saint Strikes Back explore similar territory, The Saint Takes Over stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 7, 1940
- Runtime: 1h 9m
