Sombras de sospecha

"Shadow of Suspicion" is a cheap B-movie from Monogram. A B-movie was originally intended as a second and lesser film during a double- feature. As a B, it has several traits you'd expect in such a film- -it's only about an hour long, has a cast of lesser known or unknown actors and was made with a minimal budget. The guys playing Northrup and Dale as well as the rest clearly are unknowns!

The film begins with a guy coming into a jewelry store and attempting to trick them out of some expensive merchandise. But, before they can detect the larceny, he announces that he's been sent out by the head office to work with them on fraud detection. Is this actually the case or is the guy a crook? For much of the film, you have no idea if he or his partner are good guys or bad guys. And, oddly, by the end of the film you STILL aren't sure exactly who they are! But, the plot is engaging and is worth seeing if you are the sort that appreciates Bs.

John Hamilton's jewelry company is atwitter over a recent robbery. So when Peter Cookson shows up at the Chicago branch that is run by Pierre Watkin as another expensive piece of jewelry is about to come in for sale, his phony name shows up quickly. He explains that he's been sent by Hamilton to investigate, and gives another name. But when Watkins checks the New York office, it's Tim Ryan's name. Ryan flies out to investigate, but it turns out he's working with Cookson, except in the matter of Marjorie Weaver, whom Cookson is trying to monopolize. Then it turns out...

When I tell you this is a Monogram picture directed by William Beaudine, your understandable tendency is to turn up your nose and go take a nap. But Beaudine was perfectly capable of turning out a good movie when given a good script, or even an adequate one, and he does so here, with a series of amiable double-crosses not only on the characters, but the audience, as to whom the crooks actually are until the second half of the movie. Fortunately, he's working with an accomplished cast, including Clara Blandick (working well outside her usual range) and J. Farrell MacDonald.

Cartell & Co. Chicago branch robbery still unsolved. Police are still in the dark as to the identity of the thieves who stole the celebrated Morgan Emerald Bracelet.

Now the Stonehaven necklace is on its way. A suspicious character named Northrup or is it Dale or whomever (Peter Cookson) is hanging around and making eyes at the manager's secretary (Marjorie Weaver) and he knows about the Stonehaven necklace.

So, pay close attention to them all as with any good mystery it might be the last person you suspect or not.

It follows the standard formula and through in Tim Ryan at the comic relief.

Northrup (Tim Ryan) is theoretically guarding the big fancy Stonehaven necklace that's arriving at the local jewelry store. But it looks like he isn't really who he says he is, so the jewelry company is keeping an eye on him... it's a jewelry heist caper! and Claire (Marjorie Weaver) is the secretary who gets caught up in all the goings on. Lots of verbal gags and close calls to keep it light. and a few surprises in here, just to keep us on our toes. Gotta pay attention ! Some fun stuff in this one. I'm really surprised that its only rated a "6" on imdb so far. I liked it! Similar to another film, but I won't say which one... don't want to give anything away ! Directed by William Beaudine, who had started in the early, early days of silent films. Good stuff. Showing on Epix Channel.

It's a lively cast with a non-clichéd plot in a B-movie programmer. Just who are the two guys claiming to be investigators sent to safeguard an expensive necklace for a big jewelry firm. Whoever they are, they change names faster than clothes. The two start off as Northrup and Dale, but then switch handles, and that's just for starters. The only thing we know for sure is that Dale-Northrup (Cookson) has an eye for lovely secretary (Weaver), while Northrup-Dale (Ryan) alternates between low-humor and stern seriousness. Confusing—heck yes! So whoever or whatever they are, be sure to bring a scorecard.

It's a good energetic cast, doing more than picking up a paycheck. Plus there's the aristocratic Frank (Watkin) in a nicely nuanced turn. But whatever you do, don't ask to see his aged mom (Blandick). She may make you rethink the whole idea of motherhood. Sure, the sets are few and spare, while the camera gets outdoors once, I think. But then this is Monogram, who really produced the 1940's equivalent of what would become TV programming.

I'm glad TMC did a little tribute to director William "One Shot" Beaudine, who directed this feature. Sure, he never amounted to more than a studio contractor, grinding out these cheapos year after year in reliable fashion. As a helmsman, he may not have style or budget for embroidery, but give him a decent script and some willing players, and he could turn out an entertaining 60-minutes, as he does here.