

A 1930 British crime caper where the rat is the hero and everyone's wearing a metaphorical mask.
A detective poses as an ex-convict to expose the head of a benevolent society as a fence.
Direction
Edgar Wallace adapting his own novel—rare author control
Acting
Gordon Harker's comic relief grounds the tension
Production
Early British sound design that crackles with atmosphere

Director
Edgar Wallace
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Edgar Wallace was the most filmed author of the 1930s; this was one of his rare directorial efforts before his sudden death in 1932.
The 'squeaker' slang refers to an informant—reflecting British crime fiction's obsession with loyalty and betrayal during the interwar period.