The Crimes of Stephen Hawke (1936)

The Crimes of Stephen Hawke (1936). 1h 9m

“Meandering tale of meek money lender Steven Hawke (Slaughter) who moonlights as a callous killer nicknamed u0026quot;The Spine Breakeru0026quot; for his bone crushing exploits. When his alter ego is exposed, heu0026#39;s forced to flee London, pursued by a relentless hunter but must make a daring return after hearing news that his daughter has been coerced into marrying a blackmailing prison warden.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eGreat comical thrills with the inimitable Tod Slaughter delivering his trademark psychopath with pompous relish. Eric Portman is the principal adversary and preferred suitor to the twisted killeru0026#39;s beloved daughter (Taylor), demonstrating the thespian skills for which he became better known throughout the next three decades.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIf youu0026#39;re unaccustomed to the Tod Slaughter experience, then this Iu0026#39;d regard to be one of the better samples to gain a taste of the stage-borne flavour with which he interprets his twisted characterisations. The dialogue is poetic, loaded with double-entendres, witty quips and of course, hopelessly clichéd plot. Despite the low budget, it works like a charm, such is Slaughteru0026#39;s unique charisma and presence.”