Flickering Torches

 Here is a three way split DL and review of The Flickering Torch mystery. For those not in the know, this is one of those Hardy boys stories that got a full on revised edition, totally different from the original.

Here in the UK we just got a condensed edit of the original and the new version was ignored entirely. A fitting end as its not very good.

Original.

The original and UK version revolve around thefts of silkworms from Asa Grable's experimental farm out in the wilds of the Bayport countryside. There is a parallel story about Fenton Hardy looking into thefts of supplies from road construction jobs and that. Gee could they be tied in.

The story is a good one, the experimental farm, which looks into future farming methods such as growing hydroponically (soilless mediums) and using horses to get around. Down to the pay off and spoiler whatever Cobalastrum is (I'm guessing some sort of rare earth) the gang are digging up under Widow Trumper's property.

It all sounds feasible and relatable in this day and age so why it got such a bad remake version is anyones guess.

African Lily. 

A minor thing from this, This plant with the vile scented pollen is not African and not a lily. So what is it?

My guess is some sort of Amorphophallus species. AKA Titan Arum. It's not a lily, it's not African and it smells bad. Plus it's also huge and rare. 

Asa Grable and his "assistant" Archibald

I know this is a horrible modern take on this, but, reading between the lines, these two have to be a couple of poofs right. They come across as a couple in the story. Archie deeply cares for his boss, if you read right, whether that crosses the line into a full on relationship is never expressed, but feels like it is.

Anyway Original and condensed UK version is available here and here

Remake

This version is along with the Flying Express one is one of the worse of the two modern Hardy boys mysteries. 

Want to know how bad? The boys form a folk rock band and as the youth say its cringe. 

Does anyone remember the Harry Enfield bit where he says I like that, its got a good beat, style of patronizing condescension. It's this all  the way through. And where as the original were lights from the road crew used to signal. The Flickering torch in the remake is either a youth club or an oil rig.

The band is as follows, if you care: 

Frank Rhythm guitar

Joe     Lead guitar

Biff    Bass guitar

Tony Prito Drums

Phil Cohen Organ

Chet Morton is not part of the band, as, although it would totally be canon him learning an instrument. He is of course building a plane. That's right, a plane in his back yard.

Of course its all connected the club is used as a front for peddling radioactive material and the junk yard, where the boys and Chet visit is also a front too.

If you want to know more, then you can read it here.