The Falcon and the Co-eds

This is the seventh of the Falcon films, and apart from a single line of dialogue by Tom Conway: 'I think more clearly with a tall glass in my hand', there is no witty dialogue at all. The film is very amusing, but no longer because of wisecracks, instead the humour has become entirely situational. The film is what could be called a 'comedy thriller'. The Falcon series has now changed completely, and the last vestiges of true film noir atmosphere have vanished from it like the mist. The setting is a girls' college, and like all films of that time, all the students are several years older than the parts they play. (Watch out for an uncredited early appearance as a co-ed by Dorothy Malone, later a B star.) The only really cute kids in the film play the three daughters of a faculty member: they sing brilliantly and have all the charm and sense of fun of the children that they are. Everybody else is much too old, including Tom Conway in this situation. However, the film is genuinely fun and the plot is an intriguing thriller tale with unusual twists. There are some good scenes on the edges of cliffs, hints of hypnotic suggestion, psychological undertones, a girl who foresees the future and may or may not be insane, all 'jolly good stuff' and a superior B movie. A good time was indeed had by all, even by Jean Brooks, who specialises in looking grim and dangerous while at the same time holding out the occasional reluctant smile as both a threat and an inducement to those who either suspect her or are attracted by her. Her work as a B movie villainess or alluring suspect has never been sufficiently appreciated.

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.

Because this entry starred so many girls and women it was one of my daughter's favourite Falcon's when very young, and I agree it does have some nice scenery in it. There were plenty of feminine things to relate to here, with brooding dark mystery and a frisson of the romantic paranormal – always a hit with the ladies. Also comic banter par excellence between the murders, between the leads.

Tom (the Falcon) Lawrence gets called upon to investigate the death of a teacher at Bluecliff Seminary for girls, and uncovers a seething nest of unrest. His elderly presence at the school has the hep young ladies in a flutter as well as the shifty teachers. The buildings and grounds are beautifully and atmospherically photographed – after all, this was RKO's best period with films like Magnificent Ambersons, I Walked With A Zombie and Seventh Victim etc, so why not some of the sadly neglected Falcon series as well? This time Inspector Why Timothy! Cliff Clark and stalwart sidekick Ed Gargan aren't chasing the Falcon to nail him for the murders but to help him clear it all up albeit with a battery of badinage, a refreshing change.

One of the best entries in the series imho, pleasant entertainment with nothing heavy in it thankfully and thus thoroughly recommended to fans; but if you didn't like this I wouldn't recommend any of the others to you unless you're masochistic.

I have to admit that I am an unabashed fan of Tom Conway. For the most part, Falcon movies are highly entertaining. Certainly no one will ever confuse a `Falcon' movie with great art, but it is impossible to watch them and not be amused. In this case the interaction between the Falcon and the three Ughs is terrific, humorous and, in its manner, touching. I can not help but smile as the young women of Blue Cliff cast eyes at the famous and romantic Falcon.

As with most `Falcon' movies the plot is secondary. You watch to see Tom Lawrence out smart the police (ably played by Cliff Clark and Ed Gargen), flirt with pretty women (Jean Brooks) and in general act as a proto-Bond (without the gadgets and violence).

If you want to a new view of life, look for a Bergman film. If you wish to see film as art I would recommend The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. If you want to spend a fun evening with a loved one (or ones) and a bowl of Orville with root beer, it is hard to beat a Falcon movie, and this is a good example of the serial.

This was the first of the Falcon mystery series for me, and I found it very refreshing and entertaining. I've always appreciated the wonderful humor and wit of so many of the films of the forties, particularly the detective movies. And while this b-movie may not offer the seriousness or artistic styling that the film noir mystery genre of the era may have, it proves itself a wonderful way to spend an evening. The twists and turns of the plot are clever, but it is the acting and characters that really stand out. Conway brings a brilliant assuredness to the character of the Falcon which instantly reminded me of all my favorite British detectives -- a bit suave and yet self-effacing, calm, cool, and collected and yet not infallible. Furthermore, Bluecliff offered a enchanting and endearing look at a variety of memorable female characters, each playing off one another well and making a lovely counterpoint to the more reserved nature of the adults. The 3 Ughs are one of the great highlights of this film! All in all, a very fun film and one that has inspired me to watch even more of the Falcon series.