The Spider (1931)

At the conclusion of his mesmerizing performance at the Tivoli theater, Chatrand the Great takes to the airwaves, announcing his quest to uncover the identity of an amnesia-stricken individual known only as "Alexander," his trusted assistant. Discovered unconscious with a head injury on the streets of Washington two years prior, Alexander, now a skilled mind reader in Chatrand's act, remains unable to recollect any details of his former life.

Beverly Lane, whose brother Paul vanished without a trace two years earlier, listens intently to the radio broadcast, hoping for a breakthrough. However, her uncle, the wealthy financier John Carrington, dismisses the announcement as a mere publicity stunt. Determined to investigate further, Beverly insists on attending Chatrand's show, with Carrington begrudgingly accompanying her.

As Chatrand prepares to take the stage, he catches sight of Beverly through the curtains and recognizes her from a picture within Alexander's locket—a long-held desire to meet the mysterious woman in the photograph. During the performance, Chatrand astonishes the audience by having Alexander blindfolded and accurately describe objects belonging to spectators, including Beverly's identical locket. Carrington protests, leading to a struggle that ends in darkness and a gunshot, leaving Carrington wounded.

The arrival of the police halts the chaos, and as Inspector Riley uncovers a gun beside Alexander, suspicions arise. However, when Beverly rushes to embrace Alexander and identifies him as her lost brother, the situation takes a dramatic turn. Alexander, brought out of his trance, reveals the truth: Carrington attempted to steal their fortune two years prior, resulting in a struggle that led to Alexander's amnesia.

As the mystery unravels, Chatrand orchestrates a seance to expose the true murderer. Amidst the chaos, Dr. Blackstone's guilt is revealed, having sought revenge for Carrington's financial misdeeds. With justice served, Chatrand, wounded but triumphant, finds solace in Beverly's care, as their bond grows stronger amidst the turmoil.

Vintage magazines

Photoplay , October 1931

Books with substantial mentioning of The Spider

John T. Soister
Up from the Vault, Rare Thrillers of the 1920s and 1930s
Jefferson, North Carolina, and London, 2004

Books with an entry on The Spider

		Aubrey Solomon The Fox Film Corporation, 1915-1935, A history and filmography Jefferson, N.C., 2011

		Larry Langman and Daniel Finn A Guide to American Crime Films of the Thirties Westport, Connecticut - London, 1995