The Shadow of the Eagle

The Shadow of the Eagle

Year: 1932

Runtime: 218 mins

Language: English

Directors: Ford Beebe, B. Reeves Eason

Action

A high‑octane adventure serial, in which the mysterious Eagle sends sky‑written threats to a powerful corporation. Nathan Gregory, proprietor of a wandering fairground, is suspected of being the Eagle. When Gregory vanishes, pilot Craig McCoy embarks on a daring quest to uncover the truth and track down the elusive sky‑bandit.

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Timeline & Setting – The Shadow of the Eagle (1932)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Shadow of the Eagle (1932). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1918

The story unfolds during the late World War I era, with aviation technology and skywriting playing key roles. The critical date of May 23, 1918, marks the Eagle's alleged downing, around which threats escalate. The setting reflects the wartime atmosphere and postwar tensions between inventors, pilots, and industrial rivals.

Location

Travelling carnival, Evans Aero Co.

The primary setting is a mobile carnival owned by Colonel Gregory, which serves as the front for performances by Craig and Jean. The carnival grounds become the scene of peril as saboteurs threaten its survival and draw in the rival Evans Aero Co. The contrast between showmanship and corporate intrigue heightens the sense of danger and pursuit.

🎪 Carnival 🏭 Corporate intrigue

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:31

Main Characters – The Shadow of the Eagle (1932)

Meet the key characters of The Shadow of the Eagle (1932), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Craig McCoy

A veteran carnival stunt pilot and the carnival's backbone, Craig keeps the show afloat and uses his skywriting skill to signal clues. He partners with Jean to investigate the Eagle, showing resourcefulness, courage, and a willingness to risk everything for the truth.

🎖️ Protagonist 🛫 Pilot

Jean Gregory

Jean is Colonel Gregory's daughter, a fearless wing walker and parachutist who teams with Craig to prove her father's innocence. She combines athletic poise with determination, facing danger head-on while navigating the tensions between carnival life and corporate intrigue.

🎭 Heroine 🛡️ Courage

Colonel Nathan Gregory

Wheelchair-bound former WWI ace and carnival owner, Gregory bears a grudge against Evans Aero Co. He is suspected of being the Eagle, and the mystery centers on whether his past and secrets can exonerate him.

🎖️ War veteran 🧭 Determination

Mr. Green

A director at Evans Aero Co., Green is the apparent mastermind behind the Eagle's threats and the gang's pursuit. He embodies calculated sabotage and the willingness to manipulate others to steal the plans.

🎭 Antagonist 🧭 Sabotage

Tim Moore

A henchman who works with Green, Tim Moore assists in pursuing the carnival and triggering peril for the protagonists. He embodies the mercenary side of the conspiracy.

🎭 Henchman

Boyle

Henchman partner to Green, Boyle contributes to the chase and violent confrontations around the carnival and the company.

🎭 Henchman

The Midget

The carnival's performer who aids Craig in the investigation, using his stature and street smarts to navigate the danger and help expose the villain.

🎭 Sidekick 🤝 Teamwork

Henie the Strong Man

The carnival's strongman who lends physical prowess to the pursuit, providing muscle and a showman's flair at crucial moments.

💪 Strength 🎭 Ally

Henry the Ventriloquist

The carnival ventriloquist who becomes part of the investigation, using his act and puppetry to assist in unmasking the Eagle.

🎭 Entertainer 🧠 Trickery

Ames

Corporate figure linked to Evans Aero Co., involved in the corporate intrigue and the chain of events that lead to the investigations.

🎭 Boardroom 🧭 Intrigue

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:31

Major Themes – The Shadow of the Eagle (1932)

Explore the central themes of The Shadow of the Eagle (1932), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️ Mystery

A mysterious saboteur known as the Eagle drives the plot, pushing Craig, Jean, and Gregory to uncover his identity. Clues are hidden in clues, misdirections, and secret allegiances within the Evans Aero Co. The pursuit builds suspense as the true mastermind is revealed and the danger to the carnival and company escalates.

🛩️ Technology

The film centers on theories of aviation invention, including radio-piloted aircraft and stolen plans. Sabotage and corporate espionage threaten progress, forcing the protagonists to race against rivals to protect both innovation and livelihood. Skywriting and aerial stunts are used as plot devices to reveal truth and mislead the antagonist.

👨‍👧 Family

Jean and her wheelchair-bound father, Colonel Gregory, share a bond that motivates their fight for innocence. Loyalty and trust are tested as they navigate danger together, balancing personal risk with the duty to clear Gregory's name. The carnival becomes a stage for familial devotion amidst deception.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:31

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The Shadow of the Eagle Summary

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The Shadow of the Eagle Summary

The Shadow of the Eagle Timeline

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The Shadow of the Eagle Timeline

More About The Shadow of the Eagle

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The Shadow of the Eagle (1932) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The Shadow of the Eagle (1932) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The Shadow of the Eagle (1932) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow