Crime by Night

Crime by Night (1944)

** (out of 4)

"B" picture from Warner has private detective Sam Campbell (Jerome Cowan) being hired by a man whose ex father-in-law has been brutally murdered and he's the main suspect. The man claims he's innocent so the detective and his girlfriend/helper (Jane Wyman) convinces him to turn himself in so that they can search for the real killer. As far as detective movies go, this one here is pretty routine from start to finish and unlike some I was able to pick up on the big twist that happens at the end. I'm going to guess that if you don't see the twist coming then you might stay more caught up in everything that's going on but if you do catch hold then everything that follows is pretty much by-the-numbers. There are a few good moments scattered throughout but certainly not enough to recommend the film. It is great getting to see character actor Cowan playing the lead and I think he does a very good job in the part. He's got a certain laid-back coolness about him that really helps the character. Wyman is also pretty good in her supporting role but she's pretty much wasted. Both Eleanor Parker and Charles Lang are good in their supporting roles but it's character actor Cy Kendall who steals the film as the local Sheriff. The story itself really isn't all that entertaining as there are just way too many clichés and all of them are pretty bland. The only exception might be the first sight of the murdered man and the amount of blood that he has on him. Usually when you see dead bodies from this era it's no different than seeing a live one but I was surprised to see that they covered the victim with blood. CRIME BY NIGHT doesn't have much going for it besides the performances so this one here is certainly just for those who must see every mystery film made.