Spider (pulp fiction)

The Spider is an American pulp-magazine hero of the 1930s and 1940s.

Background

The Spider was created in 1933 by Harry Steeger at Popular Publications as direct competition to Street and Smith Publications' vigilante hero, the Shadow. Though similar, The Spider was millionaire playboy Richard Wentworth, who had served as a Major in World War I, and was living in New York City unaffected by the financial deprivations of the Great Depression. The ninth pulp has him as the last surviving member of a rich family.

Wentworth was easily identified as The Spider by his enemies in a number of earlier novels and was arrested by the police but quickly escaped, adopting a disguise and associated alias Tito Caliepi, donning make-up, a wig of lank hair, a black cape, and slouch hat. Later in the pulp series, vampire-like makeup appeared and then a face mask with grizzled hair; a hunchback was then added to terrorize the criminal underworld with The Spider's brand of violent vigilante justice. (Actor and comedian Harold Lloyd previously had used a similar mask, lank hair wig, and hunchback in the comedy film Dr. Jack (1922)). Caliepi sometimes begged, utilizing Wentworth's talent with a violin.

The Spider (1940 film)

The Spider is a 1940 British, black-and-white, crime, drama, thriller, directed by Maurice Elvey and starring Ronald Shiner as (uncredited). It was produced by Admiral Films.

Synopsis

This thriller features a talent agent, whose corrupt actions are uncovered by his business partner. The corrupt sinks deeper by murderng him. Unfortunately for both of them, a young woman witnesses the murder. The talent agent attacks her, she is traumatised and loses her memory. After she is released from hospital, the talent agent resumes his chase, but a detective and his wife intervene with thrilling consequences.

Cast

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The Spider (1916 film)

The Spider is a 1916 American drama silent film directed by Robert G. Vignola and written by William Clifford. The film stars Pauline Frederick, Thomas Holding and Frank Losee. The film was released on January 27, 1916, by Paramount Pictures.

Cast

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