This Movie, Fashioned from a Long-Running (341 Episodes) Radio-Mystery.
The Show Featured the Detective of the Title and J. Scott Smart Transformed the Role to this Film.
Fans could Now put a Face to the Suave, Cultured, Rotund Crime-Solver.
This Dashiell Hammett's Character can Claim to be the Opposite of His "Mega-Star, the "The Thin Man".
But Didn't Click On-Screen and the Film Failed to Become a Series.
No-Doubt Television Took On the Source of Many B-Movies.
Detective-Series Radio Now Detective-Series TV.
This Movie had the Foundations of a Very Smart and Fun Film-Series.
William Castle Directed with His Seasoned B-Movie Credentials.
J. Scott Smart Successfully Cultivated the Character on Radio and seems Natural On-Screen.
Bringing a Sense of Humor, Type, and a Certain Confidence Despite His Over-Size.
However, one of the Film's Shortcomings is the Over-Reliance on Comedy Relief.
Rock Hudson in His First Real Performance is Fine as an Actor, and as was Said at the Time...
"The Camera Loves Him"
Also of Note, the Cast Includes...
Jayne Meadows (the Honeymooners Wife of Ralph Kramden, Alice.
Julie London, Exotic, Sultry Recording Star.
John Russell went on to have a Successful Career as an Adventurer on TV and Movies.
Last but Not Least, Emmett Kelly.
Famous Hobo Circus Clown, and in this Movie...He Speaks.
With All these Things Surrounding this Good Effort, it is Certainly...
Worth a Watch.
