The Falcon and the Co-eds

Tom Conway is The Falcon in "The Falcon and the Co-eds," a 1943 addition to the serial that also featured several recognizable actresses who appeared in B movies - Rita Corday, Isabel Jewell and Jean Brooks. Dorothy Malone is a co-ed and is uncredited.

After a young woman appeals to Tom Lawrence (The Falcon) for help at her school, Bluecliff, where one suspicious death has taken place and a psychic student has predicted another one, she steals Tom's car to get him out to the school. Once there, he meets an interesting group of people, some of whom have secrets and others who act suspiciously. As foretold, another murder takes place, and it's up to The Falcon to sort things out. He usually does so before the police.

This is a pretty good mystery with some obvious stealing from the film "Rebecca," particularly the monologue about the sea that came right out of Danvers' mouth - and for the same purpose as here. There is also an overabundance of establishing shots of the sea and its high waves. However, it's still an enjoyable film. Tom Lawrence is without an annoying fiancée, instead being followed around by three young women, the Ughs, who help him out as well as sing. Frankly, I prefer them.

Conway isn't as smooth and debonair as his brother, George Sanders, but like his brother he has a beautiful speaking voice, is an attractive man, and flirts like crazy. His Falcon is more straightforward, and he's very likable. This is a very good series that always gives the viewer a relaxing hour-plus of watching.

Unlike many of the other entries in the Tom Conway Falcon series, The Falcon and the Co-eds rises above mediocracy and delivers a good solid "B" mystery to the audience. The plot is decent, the acting is reasonably good, and interesting camera work contribute to an enjoyable viewing. There are sufficient clues and enough suspects to challenge the viewer to solve the mystery before the detective. Today's audience may find the treatment of young college women as sexist but such depictions probably represent mainstream society at the time. I have not recommended many of these Tom Conway Falcon movies, but I do this one. The scene in which the murderer is revealed is especially good.

TOM CONWAY seemed to be settling comfortably into his Falcon role (inherited from brother George Sanders) by the time he made THE FALCON AND THE CO-EDS.

The setting is the quaint Blue Cliff School for Young Ladies and The Falcon is there to solve the murder of a professor. The cast is an attractive one--and once again the cast includes AMELITA WARD and JEAN BROOKS. RITA CORDAY and ISABEL JEWELL are further additions to the charming female cast and all are among the suspects when the school's headmistress is also murdered.

The usual comic relief from bumbling detectives and some silly schoolgirls in love with The Falcon, it's diverting entertainment as well as an intriguing mystery.

Worthwhile watch for Falcon fans.

Tom Lawrence investigates a mysterious death at a school for young ladies.

The Falcon and the Co-eds is an enjoyable enough film, and I preferred it to The Falcon in Hollywood. The film has some supernatural elements, and feels a bit like a Val Lewton film; cast members Tom Conway, Jean Brooks and Isabel Jewell all appeared in various Lewton films. Of the supporting cast, Brooks is quite good, and Amelita Ward was good also. Dorothy Malone and Ian Wolfe also appeared in uncredited roles.

Arguably the best of the Falcon series. The movie's a fast-paced, highly entertaining blend of mystery, atmosphere, and gentle humor. And who in production had the casting inspiration for the three little Ugh girls. Their bits are utterly charming as they pipe up like syncopated petunias. And I wasn't even put off by all the girls at the school mooning over a very dapper Tom Conway, apparently dividing his time here with Val Lewton's great horror films. He's perfectly cast as the urbane sleuth.

Rita Corday also shows some acting chops as well as beauty as the spooky Marguerita. Her psychic moments provide a good atmospheric touch. Also, those seaside scenes, especially along the cliffs, add a lot of local color. And speaking of atmosphere, credit that fine RKO team of art director D'Agostino and set decorator Silvera for taking time out from the Lewton series. Those quaking bushes, moody pathways, and elaborate interiors typify their expert hand. On a lesser note, the whodunit is rather routine, but develops into an exciting climax. At the same time, the cop humor from Clark and Gargan is thankfully understated for a change.

Anyway, in my little book, the movie's a minor gem among the many detective series of the movie-drenched 1930's and 40's.