Strikes Twice. A.C. Edington was assigned to write the script and Louis Hayward was announced as star with filming to start in August 1938. Hayward was reluctant to reprise his role and was not under contract to RKO. He had just played the lead in The Duke of West Point (1938) and wanted assurances the new film would be more of an "A" movie. Hayward ended up signing a long-term contract with Edward Small and making The Man in the Iron Mask (1939). RKO ended up casting George Sanders, who they borrowed from 20th Century Fox. The title was changed to The Saint Strikes Back and it was to be made alongside The Saint in London. John Farrow was assigned to direct in December 1938. The script was written by John Twist. Shooting Filming started in December 1938. Reception The New York Times said the series "found its stride" with this film. References External links 1939 films The Saint (Simon Templar) American black-and-white films Films directed by John Farrow 1939 crime films RKO Pictures films American crime films 1930s English-language films 1930s American films