The Phantom Stage (1939) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A stagecoach investigator uncovers a concealed-cargo scheme, survives its trap, and resolves the mystery.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

Gold Vanishes Again

Carson and Grizzly learn that gold shipments repeatedly disappear from a stagecoach strongbox. Carson accepts the job of driving the stage to investigate the mystery.

Key Events

• Robberies Are Reported — Carson and Grizzly learn that gold shipments are mysteriously disappearing from a stagecoach. Characters: Bob Carson, Sidekick Grizzly Location: Local stage route
• Gold Enters Strongbox — The gold is placed inside the stagecoach strongbox before departure. Location: Stagecoach loading point
• Empty Box Arrives — The stagecoach reaches its destination, but the strongbox is empty. Location: Stagecoach destination
• Carson Accepts The Job — Carson takes responsibility for driving the stagecoach to investigate the theft. Characters: Bob Carson Location: Stagecoach office
• Stagecoach Departs — Carson begins the journey while the gold travels inside the strongbox. Characters: Bob Carson, Sidekick Grizzly Location: Stagecoach route

The Case Onboard

A case is transported with the gold on the stagecoach. An accomplice hides inside it and uses its concealment during the journey.

Key Events

• Stagecoach Departs — Carson begins the journey while the gold travels inside the strongbox. Characters: Bob Carson, Sidekick Grizzly Location: Stagecoach route
• Mysterious Case Ships — A case is loaded onto the stagecoach as part of the journey's cargo. Characters: Bob Carson Location: Stagecoach loading area
• Hidden Accomplice Waits — A small accomplice hides inside the case transported on the stagecoach. Location: Inside the case
• The Journey Continues — The stagecoach continues toward its destination with the hidden case and secured gold. Characters: Bob Carson, Sidekick Grizzly Location: Stagecoach route
• Case Conceals Movement — The case provides cover for movement inside the traveling stagecoach. Location: Stagecoach interior

The Strongbox Trick

The hidden accomplice exits the case, steals the gold from the strongbox, and retreats into the case. The case is removed at the destination, leaving the box empty.

Key Events

• Case Conceals Movement — The case provides cover for movement inside the traveling stagecoach. Location: Stagecoach interior
• Strongbox Is Opened — The hidden accomplice slips out of the case and reaches the strongbox during the journey. Location: Inside the moving stagecoach
• Gold Is Stolen — The accomplice steals the gold from the strongbox while the stagecoach is traveling. Location: Inside the moving stagecoach
• Accomplice Returns — After taking the gold, the accomplice retreats into the case. Location: Inside the case
• Case Leaves The Coach — At the destination, the case is removed from the stagecoach. Location: Stagecoach destination
• Second Empty Box — The strongbox is found empty again after the case has been taken away. Characters: Bob Carson, Sidekick Grizzly Location: Stagecoach destination

Carson Sets A Trap

Carson studies the repeated theft and identifies the case as the key to the scheme. He hides inside it to catch the culprit.

Key Events

• Second Empty Box — The strongbox is found empty again after the case has been taken away. Characters: Bob Carson, Sidekick Grizzly Location: Stagecoach destination
• Carson Studies The Trick — Carson works out that the case enables the theft from inside the stagecoach. Characters: Bob Carson, Sidekick Grizzly Location: Stagecoach destination
• Carson Hides In Case — Carson hides inside the case to catch the person using it during the journey. Characters: Bob Carson Location: Inside the case
• Hidden Carson Discovered — Carson is discovered while concealed inside the case. Characters: Bob Carson Location: Inside the case

Escape And Capture

Carson is discovered inside the case but escapes the danger. The local villain is captured, ending the stagecoach robberies.

Key Events

• Hidden Carson Discovered — Carson is discovered while concealed inside the case. Characters: Bob Carson Location: Inside the case
• Carson Escapes — After being discovered, Carson escapes from the dangerous situation. Characters: Bob Carson Location: Stagecoach route
• Villain Is Captured — Carson and Grizzly help bring the local villain's theft scheme to an end through his capture. Characters: Bob Carson, Sidekick Grizzly Location: Stagecoach route
• The Stage Robberies End — The mystery of the disappearing gold is solved and the stagecoach problem is resolved. Characters: Bob Carson, Sidekick Grizzly Location: Stagecoach destination
• Carson Marries Owner — With the robbery problem solved, Carson marries the stagecoach owner. Characters: Bob Carson Location: Local community

Story Breakdown

• Robbery Mystery — Repeated gold disappearances establish the central problem.
  • Missing Gold Reports — Carson and Grizzly hear that gold shipments vanish from a stagecoach.
  • Empty Strongbox — The strongbox repeatedly reaches its destination without the gold.
• Carson Takes Charge — Carson personally enters the stagecoach operation to investigate.
  • Driving The Stage — Carson accepts the job of driving the stagecoach.
  • Journey Begins — The stagecoach departs with gold secured inside the strongbox.
• Hidden Case Scheme — The case is revealed as the concealed route used by the accomplice.
  • Accomplice Hides — A small accomplice hides inside a case shipped on the stage.
  • Secret Movement — The accomplice uses the case to move unseen during the journey.
• Gold Theft Mechanism — The theft occurs inside the moving stagecoach before the case is removed.
  • Strongbox Robbery — The accomplice slips out and steals the gold from the strongbox.
  • Case Retreat — The accomplice returns to the case after taking the gold.
• Carson's Countertrap — Carson deduces the trick and uses the case to confront the scheme.
  • Pattern Revealed — Carson connects the empty strongbox with the transported case.
  • Case Ambush — Carson hides inside the case to catch the culprit.
• Capture And Resolution — Carson escapes discovery, the villain is captured, and the personal ending follows.
  • Dangerous Escape — Carson is discovered but escapes from the case.
  • Marriage Finale — After the robbery problem is solved, Carson marries the stagecoach owner.

Directed by

George Waggner

Key Cast

• Bob Baker — Bob Carson
• Marjorie Reynolds — Mary Ellen
• George Cleveland — Sidekick Grizzly
• Forrest Taylor — Gabe Lawson
• Ernie Adams — Henchman Runt (Stage Guard in Credits)