Bunco Squad

You've got to hand it to post-war RKO-- they really knew how to turn out fast, efficient little crime dramas. Nothing special here, except a good look at LA locations circa 1950 and Detroit's all-time ugliest car—the "inverted bathtub" Nash sedan. Ricardo Cortez makes an excellent smoothie conning gullible women out of their fortunes. However, the phony medium set-up comes across as something of a stretch, but does lend needed atmosphere. Also, having cutie Joan Dixon play an actress allows for some clever "movie within a movie" set-ups; at the same time, the very last line sounds like an inspiration of the moment that was allowed to stand. Note too that usual bad guy Doug Fowley gets to work the other side of the law, and in a crime drama, no less. Still and all, I wish the screenplay had gotten more imaginative by using tricks from magician Dante to foil the crooks, instead of two guys in black beating up a crook in the dark, which may make an interesting visual effect, but makes no plot sense. Anyhow it's a good, fast hour of programming that shows again how well RKO could fill up a double-bill at the local theatre.

Dull lead Robert Sterling plays the dully named detective "Steve Johnson." He's in the title squad investigating a phony medium racket lead by Cortez, who is trying to bilk a believing widow out of her fortune. Dixon is actress fiancé of Johnson enlisted to act as a medium to help trap the phonies. Lots of brakelines get cut in this film (three times!) to try and kill off Johnson and others. Chase finale features the cliché car-crashing-over-the-cliff, but the stock footage of the crash features a totally different car from the one the villain drives. A short film, but routine and flat. It looks like something out of a fifties TV cop drama. The cast tries but is defeated by a script that gives them little characterization.

This one plays like a (boring) chapter from Dragnet; local vice squad, led by Detective Johnson (Robert Sterling) tries to round up the local occult film-flammers who have moved into town. Unfortunately, there is already a group trying to take a rich old dame's dough. Ricardo Cortez, Bernadene Hayes, and Robert Bice team up to pretend to be able to speak with the old lady's deceased son. Elisabeth Risdon plays Jessica Royce, and totally buys into it. Dick Elliot is the gabby real estate guy who gives them some of the info on her son.... of course, he was the mayor in "Andy Griffith". Things get pretty rough, when the gang tries to knock off everyone trying to get in their way... which seems like a lot of trouble. Probably would have been easier to just pack up and find a new town rather than get involved in murder. Directed by Herb Leeds; didn't end well for him.. .he offed himself at age 54, just a couple years after making "Bunco". Anyway... this one is OK. Some great scenes of old Los Angeles. Going to give this one a "6" for being just OK.

BUNCO SQUAD concerns the efforts of a young policeman to protect a rich widow from a gang of fake spiritualists. This well made B programmer boasts good production values and a brisk pace. Chief among the competent cast is Ricardo Cortez doing his usual best as slick villain, and a small supporting role by Dante the Magician. Attractive locations and such details as 1940's streamlined cars make this film a nice small surprise.

While some might call this a film noir picture, it's really more of a true crime movie...and a very good one at that. The story is about psychics and how they prey upon gullible folks who want to communicate with dead loved ones....and one particular case involving a very rich lady who seems to be the perfect victim.

They story begins with a smart bunco artist, Tony Weldon (Ricardo Cortez), organizing the local phony psychics behind something he calls the Rama Society. Using this seemingly legitimate organization, they plan on bilking Jessica Royce...and when the police find out, they work hard to stop them...even though Mrs. Royce is 100% sure the Society is doing wonderful work and she refuses to listen to the police.

This is a very good B-movie from RKO because it manages to take a simple story idea and tell it well due to very good acting and writing. The ending also is very rewarding. Overall, a very good film despite it being relatively low budgeted.