Proprietor of the Tropical Inn nightclub who orchestrates an annulment racket. He manipulates Doris Starr's marriage to Anthony Tremaine Jr. and later kills her when she threatens to expose his scheme. Ultimately arrested after his crime is uncovered.
Pete Oliver is a trapper, Lizbet Tollington's fiancé, and Annabelle Tollington's former lover. Annabelle tells him that Lizbet is hiding a man in her cabin, which angers him and threatens his engagement. After realizing Lizbet loves Jeff Carter, Pete changes course and agrees to help the fugitive.
Violent gangster and bootlegger who runs a speakeasy. Forces Temple and Toddy into his home, knocks Toddy unconscious, shoots the watchman Tommy, and rapes Temple in the barn. Kidnaps her to a city brothel. Attacks Stephen during a visit but is shot dead by Temple.
Jim Daggs works with the Colbys against the Haydens and advocates a destructive campaign against the rival ranch. He plans to drive away the remaining cattle, lure the Hayden men into a trapped canyon, and marry Ellen Colby so he can secure both her and the Hayden property.
Character in the Panama case.
Maisie's employer and dancing partner whose unwanted advances contribute to her dismissal.
A gardener whose observations about the tides provide Ellery with a crucial investigative clue.
Scarfi is a criminal whom Joe accuses of helping frame him for the crimes that led to his San Quentin sentence. He joins Turner in advancing Joe money for a safecracking job, unaware that Joe has alerted police. During the raid, Scarfi panics and kills a police officer, a crime for which he is eventually electrocuted.
Art dealer or museum worker with professional ties to the victim.
Rita's childhood friend from the orphanage who becomes involved in organized crime. He discovers the truth about the real Bill Dugan and learns of Jimmy Kelly's abduction. He confronts Rita about letters proving Harold DeWitt's guilt, though she proceeds with her revenge and syndicate plans.
A criminal who frames Ace for murder and whose men damage Joe Burke's casino business. After Ace takes over the casino and redirects Manning's customers, Manning and his men sneak aboard the ship and kill Joe. Blooey releases the anchor, and the waves wash Manning and his men off the deck.
Cain is the head of a gang in the prison and is planning a prison break. Johnny Gray is placed in Cain's cell, bringing the wrongly convicted prisoner into close proximity with the gang leader and his escape plan. The plot does not specify what role Cain ultimately plays in the attempted break.
Jack La Rue has 128 screen credits in a career dating back to 1925. Their work spans 12 cinematic universes — most prominently Ellery Queen Collection with 2 titles. Signature works include Hard Guy, No Orchids for Miss Blandish, Swamp Woman. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
Universe traveler — spans 12 universes
Related entry on Wikidata (Q3157239), public domain (CC0).
