The Avenging Hand

The Avenging Hand

Company type	Film
Industry	Motion picture
Founded	1936
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Crime film

The Avenging Hand, alternatively titled Paradise Hotel, is a British crime motion picture from 1936, co-directed by Victor Hanbury and Frank Richardson. The film features performances by Noah Beery, Louis Borel, and Kathleen Kelly. Crafted by writers Reginald Long and Ákos Tolnay, the narrative centers on a Chicago mobster who embarks on an investigation into a murder occurring at a London hotel.

Cast

• Noah Beery portraying Lee Barwell
• Louis Borel as Pierre Charrell
• Kathleen Kelly in the role of Gwen Taylor
• Charles Oliver playing Toni Visetti
• Reginald Long as Charles Mason
• Tarva Penna in the part of Conrad Colter
• Penelope Parkes as Elizabeth
• Billie De la Volta cast as Muriel
• James Harcourt appearing as Sam Hupp

Production

The film was produced at Welwyn Studios under the quota quickie system, with art direction and set design by Duncan Sutherland.

Reception

According to The Monthly Film Bulletin, although the plot lacks clarity in several areas, Noah Beery’s portrayal stands out strongly, supported by a competent ensemble, culminating in a film that is generally average but punctuated with notable scenes.

Kine Weekly offered criticism regarding the film’s unclear blend of comedic and crime elements, weak performances apart from those by Beery and Kelly, and substandard direction, ultimately describing it as dull and perplexing entertainment.

David Quinlan’s assessment in British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 assigned the movie a "mediocre" rating, referring to it as a "confusing thriller."

The Radio Times Guide to Films rated it 1 out of 5 stars, characterizing the production as weak, forgettable, and largely neglected.