The Crimson Circle (1936 film)

The Crimson Circle (1936 film) is a British crime film directed by Reginald Denham and starring Hugh Wakefield, Alfred Drayton, and Niall MacGinnis. It is based on the 1922 novel The Crimson Circle by Edgar Wallace.

The film tells the story of a criminal gang known as the Crimson Circle, led by a mysterious figure known only as the "Crimson Circle." The gang terrorizes London with a series of audacious crimes, demanding protection money from businesses and threatening those who refuse to pay. Scotland Yard is baffled, and a wealthy businessman, Derrick Yale, takes it upon himself to investigate, aided by his journalist friend, Manfred. Yale's investigation leads him into a complex web of intrigue, eventually uncovering the identity of the Crimson Circle's leader and bringing the gang to justice.

The film is a typical example of British crime cinema of the 1930s, featuring a fast-paced plot, suspenseful atmosphere, and a cast of colorful characters. It is considered a relatively faithful adaptation of Wallace's novel, although some plot elements were simplified or altered for the screen. The film was made at Twickenham Studios.