The Yellow Typhoon
by Harold McGrath
Movies.
Of all things, this time I'm inspired by a film called "White Men Can't Jump".
It's a reoccurring fantasy. Alex Trebek is standing in front of me. I'm on Jeopardy. I'm Rosie Perez (o.k. let's not get into that one, huh?). But the category, instead of "Foods that begin with the letter Q" is "Pre-1930 Sci Fi Films". It's for $100.
The clue is uncovered: "This 1920 film with a 'colorful storm' as a title is really just another story of intrigue that is categorized as science fiction because the presence of an inventive hero".
I'm in a zone.
SPOILERS
I reconstruct a story almost instantaneously in my mind. Ah, yes.
There are actually two heroes. They're best friends. One is Bob Hallowell. The devices he has designed are strategically instrumental to the U.S. Navy. But Hallowell's involvement with both his top-secret work and the villainous Bertha Nordstrom lead to his demise.
It's now up to Jack Mathison to deliver his dead buddy's secret plans to Washington and keep them out of the hands of the Germans.
Along the way, he is alternately stymied by Nordstrom and then aided by her.
But wait. Let me think. There are really two sisters. It's been the twin Hilda Nordstrom who has been aiding him as well as tickling his fancy.
Ah ha. That's right. I recall everything, now. So, Bertha is the notorious Yellow Typhoon.
I know now what to do.
I buzz in.
I answer "What is the Yellow Typhoon, based on a novel written by Harold McGrath in 1919 and filmed by First National in 1920, but now lost, stars Anita Stewart as both Hilda and Bertha Nordstrom and also features Ward Crane as Jack Mathison and Donald McDonald as Bob Hallowell?"
I exhale.
I'm ready for "Pre-1930 Sci Fi Films" for $200.
(fade to commercial)
written: 12/7/2002
footnote: Obviously, the strain of it all finally got to me on this write-up!!!