Johan Louwet
Much in the style of the later released The Cat and the Canary this movie is not as atmospheric or visual stunning but it isn't any less exciting. I would say "The Bat" is more action packed and the characters show some more depth. All of them get a proper introduction. I especially liked Louise Fazenda as the nervous maid Lizzie and Emily Fitzroy as the aunt who the previous opposite remaining calm under any circumstances never letting go her embroidery. Not to forget Eddie Gribbon as detective Anderson who finds himself pretty smart but should really get a lesson in bravery. And than there is of course the presence of the spooky bat figure. The bat logo which was shown to creep out and scare away the house guests was cleverly done and might have been the inspiration for the Batman character from the comics. The only negative thing is there is maybe too many characters which makes it hard to follow.
BA_Harrison
Master criminal 'The Bat' dresses in furry mask and cape to carry out a daring jewel heist, leaving behind a distinctive bat-shaped calling card to announce his imminent vacation in the country. The action then switches to the country home of the late Courtleigh Fleming (Charles Herzinger), currently occupied by Miss Cornelia Van Gorder (Emily Fitzroy), who has leased the property unaware that a fortune is supposedly stashed somewhere within the building in a secret room. A variety of characters turn up at the old mansion, each with their own agenda, and much crazy 'old-dark-house' style shenanigans ensue.Impressive sets and creative use of lighting provide The Bat with some arresting visuals, but with an unnecessarily intricate plot, umpteen intolerable characters (including a thoroughly annoying, perpetually hysterical maid and a creepy Japanese butler called Jappy!), a lack of action, and some really weak comedy, the film also proves incredibly tedious for much of the time. What makes matters slightly more interesting, particularly for comic book fans, is the fact that the film was clearly the inspiration for DC's legendary superhero Batman, and some fun can at least be derived from spotting the elements that the caped crusader's creator Bob Kane cribbed for his comic character.3.5 out of 10, rounded up to 4 for IMDb.
kidboots
The German expressionist cinema had a huge influence on Hollywood in the twenties as seen in "The Bat". The stylized sets of William Cameron Menzies, the elongated doors, furniture making the people look small. All of it makes "The Bat" a beautiful looking production.Gideon Bell has been notified by "The Bat" that he will be robbed of his famed Favre Emeralds and if he notifies the police he will be killed. The film opens with the police standing by ready to act. Of course "The Bat" has killed Bell, stolen the emeralds and left a note to say he is going to the country before the police realize anything is going on.In the country Miss Cornelia Van Gorder (Emily Fitzroy), her niece (Jewel Carmen) and a zany housekeeper (Louise Fazenda) are leasing an estate but are being forced out because of a disputed will.It turns into an "Old Dark House" style thriller with "the Bat" holding people captive and terrorizing them. I found it exciting and "the Bat" was a real surprise. People who have seen the 1960 Vincent Price film will know what's going on but they are very different films and I think this one is better.Jack Pickford is pretty ordinary as Brookes Bailey, a bank clerk, who is being unjustly accused of embezzling bank funds.Jewel Carmen played the niece, Dale. This was her last film. She was married to Roland West, the director and in the next decade was to be involved in the Thelma Todd murder.
Athanatos
Years ago, there used to be a toy football game, which featured little figurines of players, and a vibrating field. The vibrations of the field would cause the figures to move about, like little men running; except that, well, they were like little men running randomly, into each other or into corners or perhaps in useless circles.Unfortunately, after an extremely good start, The Bat begins to remind one of that dreadful vibrating toy. The characters to some extent move purposefully, but much of their behavior just amounts to moving about as if randomly.The film should certainly be judged in context, and the fact is that this film is very much a product of its time. Attacking it for the story that it tells and the way in which it tells it is somewhat like attacking it for being silent and in greyscale; but, after all, it would indeed also be unfair to let a potential viewer think that this movie were a treat for the ears and in glorious color.Those particularly interested the Old Dark House genre should definitely watch this film, as it is either the first of the genre or the immediate precursor. And those interested in the influences that led to the character of the Batman should also watch this film, as the Bat of the title wears a bat costume and swings about the sides of buildings with the aid of ropes, and as there is a sort-of bat-signal.Spoiler: .stiderc eht ni eil a si erehT (And IMDb's spell-checker is okay with ".stiderc"! Go figure!)
AD
