This first episode of the short series produced by Monogram Pictures, while not as creepy as the radio series, does have its moments and lots of suspects. If it reminds you of the later CHARLIE CHAN mysteries, it's all because of writer George Callahan, who wrote many of the Chan whodunits for Monogram in the 40s.
Kane Richmond, polished star of B adventure films, is quite good as the Shadow, and with a solid right hook! Barbara Reed compliments Richmond as wise cracking Margo Lane, both caught up in a series of bizarre murders in which the victims leap to their death off balconies? You have to give writer Callahan an 'A' for originality. The mystery begins in a spooky graveyard, where jewels are hidden in a coffin.
Goofy Tom Dugan as Shrevvie, Lamont Cranston's chauffeur, is fun and has some of the best one-liners. Dugan (at times) slightly resembles Shemp of the Three Stooges, at least playing it like Shemp, added for laughs and used as the proverbial punching bag.
Fast paced entertainment by veteran B film director Phil Rosen. Many familiar character actors pop up, including Frank Reicher (KING KONG). George Callahan later went on to write one of the great sci fi films of the 50s, THIS ISLAND EARTH. To his credit, Kane Richmond also appeared in several of the classic Fox CHARLIE CHAN mysteries, later starring in the popular BRICK BRADFORD movie serial.
Remastered on dvd, followed by BEHIND THE MASK and THE MISSING LADY.
Kane Richmond, polished star of B adventure films, is quite good as the Shadow, and with a solid right hook! Barbara Reed compliments Richmond as wise cracking Margo Lane, both caught up in a series of bizarre murders in which the victims leap to their death off balconies? You have to give writer Callahan an 'A' for originality. The mystery begins in a spooky graveyard, where jewels are hidden in a coffin.
Goofy Tom Dugan as Shrevvie, Lamont Cranston's chauffeur, is fun and has some of the best one-liners. Dugan (at times) slightly resembles Shemp of the Three Stooges, at least playing it like Shemp, added for laughs and used as the proverbial punching bag.
Fast paced entertainment by veteran B film director Phil Rosen. Many familiar character actors pop up, including Frank Reicher (KING KONG). George Callahan later went on to write one of the great sci fi films of the 50s, THIS ISLAND EARTH. To his credit, Kane Richmond also appeared in several of the classic Fox CHARLIE CHAN mysteries, later starring in the popular BRICK BRADFORD movie serial.
Remastered on dvd, followed by BEHIND THE MASK and THE MISSING LADY.