Moto unable to work incognito

This is Moto's "busman's conception of a holiday" as he puts it. He is in fact on a case as usual. This time he intends to safeguard the Queen of Sheba to the Fremont Museum in San Francisco and make sure it remains there. He is aware that several thieves will be after the artefact. He is sure which one is clever enough to steal it. One who is actually presumed dead by others.

As in 'Danger Island' Moto acquires a dummy sidekick. This time it is a Scotland Yard man called Featherstone who blows Moto's cover immediately. Moto is unable to work incognito with Featherstone around. Again the bumbling sidekick proves to have his uses as in 'Island.'

Some terrific rain scenes in this. Fox were good at that type of rainy atmosphere. These downpours are even better than in their classy mystery 'Laura.' A trademark of set director Thomas Little perhaps?

Also good Fox menacing window scenes as usual. Especially when a would-be assassin is at the window of Moto's room. The man at the window is all wet in trenchie and fedora. But he fails to strike while Moto is teaching a bellhop how to judo-throw. The hotel valet is a quick learner. A minute later he expertly throws a bully-boy who has been giving him trouble.

This movie got slated at a preview and it's release got delayed as a result. It's difficult for me to understand why this happened. It's not the best Moto but it's still entertaining enough.