Monogram Pictures, Vol. 12 (DVD)

Here are four cool Poverty Row movies on two discs, all from PRC Pictures: KING KELLY OF THE U.S.A. (1934) Guy Robertson, Edward Kennedy, Irene Ware. Lots of fun in this Monogram comedy. A theatrical troupe headed by a big-headed, flashy showman (Robertson) ends up in a tiny (and bankrupt) European kingdom. Robertson falls in love with the beautiful daughter (Irene Ware) of the king. The only problem is she has promised her to another! THE OUTER GATE (1937) Ralph Morgan, Kay Linaker, Ben Alexander, Eddie Acuff. Alexander's in love with the pretty daughter (Linaker) of his employer, (craftily played by Ralph Morgan). When some valuable bonds are stolen from the office, Alexander is arrested and essentially framed for the crime. He's then railroaded to prison. Several years later, the real thief is finally caught and Alexander is freed. He now hatchs a scheme for revenge. IRISH LUCK (1939) Frankie Darro, Mantan Moreland, Dick Purcell, Sheila Darcy. Frankie and Mantan find themselves in all kinds of trouble in this brisk Monogram comedy-crime film. Frankie is once again a hotel bellhop. One of the guests is murdered! The cops try to lay the blame on beautiful Sheila Darcy but Frankie comes to her rescue. Eventually the real killer is exposed. CONVICTS CODE (1939) Robert Kent, Sidney Blackmer, Anne Nagel, Victor Kilian. Kent's framed for a crime he didn't commit and eventually ends up in the slammer, which obviously causes complications between him and his girl. He eventually makes parole and after walking through the prison gates he sets out to find the real crook and bring him to justice.

• action
• adventure