The Live Wire (1935 film)

Plot

Two Professors find an ancient vase at a shop, on the docks. They track down, Dick Nelson (Richard Talmadge), the sailor who sold it, after finding it on an island, where he was shipwrecked, as a boy.

Professors Sneed (Henry Roquemore) and Harris (Jimmy Aubrey) charter a ship, to have Dick guide them to find more ancient treasures, on this uncharted island; but, they don’t want Captain King (Charles K. French) to bring his daughter Madge (Alberta Vaughn), who usually sails with him, saying it will be too dangerous, for a woman to go with them.

Sam the Cook (Sam McDaniel) helps Madge stow away aboard the ship. When she is found, she pretends to be a boy, just hired on as a steward.

Dick’s old nemesis “Bull” Dennis (George Walsh) has been hired on, to replace the First Mate. Like Long John Silver, Bull plans a mutiny, to keep all the treasure for himself and his pirate comrades.

It looks like Dick and Madge, with the help of Sam and the others, are going to foil the mutineer’s plan; but, the ship is lost, in a fire; and, unbeknownst to each other, they all end up shipwrecked on the mysterious island.

At first, Bill can’t remember where the ruins are; but, they soon find an entire lost city and civilization; and, are fighting for their lives, with the pirates, to get off the island alive.

Cast

Production

Although, a Reliable Pictures release, much of it was filmed on existing sets, at Universal , and footage from the 1934 serial Pirate Treasure was reused. The dock scenes were filmed in San Pedro, California.

After appearing in over 130 films, this was Alberta Vaughn's last movie.