The Master Key is a 1945 Universal movie serial, directed by Lewis D. Collins and Ray Taylor. It starred Milburn Stone, Dennis Moore and Byron Foulger. This serial also featured the screen debut of future western film star Lash LaRue.
| The Master Key | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Lewis D. Collins Ray Taylor |
| Written by | Jack Natteford Dwight V. Babcock Joseph O'Donnell George H. Plympton Ande Lamb |
| Produced by | Morgan Cox |
| Starring | Milburn Stone Jan Wiley Dennis Moore Addison Richards Byron Foulger Maris Wrixon |
| Cinematography | Maury Gertsman William A. Sickner |
| Edited by | Irving Birnbaum Jack Dolan Ace Herman Alvin Todd Edgar Zane |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 13 chapters (226 minutes) |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Plot
editNazi spies, led by the mysterious "Master Key", kidnap Professor Henderson in order to acquire his "Orotron machine" which is capable of extracting gold from sea water. FBI agent Tom Brant, aided by reporter Janet Lowe and Detective Lt. Jack Ryan, attempt to rescue him and crack the Nazi spy ring.
Cast
edit- Milburn Stone as FBI Agent Tom Brant
- Jan Wiley as Janet Lowe, a reporter
- Dennis Moore as Detective Lt. Jack Ryan
- Addison Richards as Gerhard Doenitz, alias Garret Donahue, private investigator and Nazi agent
- Byron Foulger as Professor Elwood Henderson
- Maris Wrixon as Dorothy Newton/The Master Key
- Sarah Padden as Aggie
- George Lynn as Herman, the "Spearpoint Heavy" (chief henchman)
- Russell Hicks as Police Chief Michael J. O'Brien
- Roland Varno as Arnold "Hoff" Hoffman, alias M-3
- Lash LaRue as Migsy, a street urchin. This was La Rue's screen debut.[1]
- Jerry Shane as Dan, boys' club member
- Neyle Morrow as Spike, boys' club member
- John Eldredge as Walter Stark, alias M-6
Production
editStunts
editChapter titles
edit- Trapped by Flames
- Death Turns the Wheel
- Ticket to Disaster
- Drawbridge Danger
- Runaway Car
- Shot Down
- Death on the Dial
- Bullet Serenade
- On Stage for Murder
- Fatal Masquerade
- Crash Curve
- Lightning Underground
- The Last Key
Source:[2]