Twelve years after the last entry in the series, we finally get a Shadow who can appear to be invisible (if that's not an oxymoron), hypnotise and 'cloud men's minds', and laugh in a very creepy way!! This was originally two pilot episodes for a proposed Shadow TV show (not picked up), subsequently edited together and released as a movie by Republic Pictures. The action takes place in and around New Orleans, as the Shadow is asked to help the exiled former President of 'Santa Cruz' (think Cuba) to return to his country, overthrow the dictatorship, and reunite his people. Cue lots of assassination attempts, car chases, and kidnappings.
Richard Derr stars as Lamont Cranston/The Shadow, alongside Mark Daniels as his ever-present mentor, Jogendra. There's no Margo Lane - although Cranston and Jogendra sometimes come off as though she'd be a bit of a third wheel, if you know what I mean. I'm sure it's just my cynical 'modern' eyes. Derr makes a good Shadow, convincing as a likeable playboy, as well as handling the rough stuff. There's no iconic hat/coat, but as I say, we get powers - which also include Cranston and Jogendra being able to communicate telepathically. The invisibility/living shadow effects aren't bad for the time (and low budget). Some of the supporting acting is a little shaky, but the story is pretty good. And if you're into jazz the score isn't bad. 7/10.
