The Saint in London (1939)

The Saint in London is a rollicking 1939 crime adventure that brings the suave and daring Simon Templar, fiction’s beloved soldier of fortune, back to the screen with flair. Directed by John Paddy Carstairs, this British-American production follows Templar—played with charm by George Sanders—as he tangles with a ruthless gang of counterfeiters in London. With a tagline promising 'shock-charged drama' and 'a peppery bit of love on the side,' the film delivers a fast-paced mix of mystery, thrills, and a dash of romance, centered around the murder and robbery of a European count worth a staggering £1,000,000. The plot kicks off when Templar, ever the rogue with a heart, stumbles into the counterfeiters’ scheme, drawing the wary eye of Scotland Yard’s Inspector Teal (Gordon McLeod), who’s convinced the Saint himself is the mastermind behind the heist. Reluctant help comes from Teal, while more enthusiastic aid arrives via the nimble-fingered Dugan and the delightfully scatterbrained socialite Penny Parker (Sally Gray). Together, this unlikely crew navigates a web of deception, danger, and witty banter, unraveling one of London’s most legendary crimes with a blend of laughs and shivers. Released in 1939, The Saint in London captures the pre-war zest of classic detective tales, offering a timeless escape into a world of dapper heroes and shadowy villains. As the third film in RKO’s Saint series, it shines with Sanders’ effortless charisma and a supporting cast that keeps the energy high. For fans of vintage thrillers, this gem promises a delightful romp through a fog-drenched London, where every twist thrills and every quip lands.