The Falcon and the Co-eds

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.

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.

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.

At the end of The Falcon in Danger, a female college student shows up and asks for his help. This movie seems to continue that story but also forgets that scene even took place. Here, a different college student asks the Falcon for help investigating a murder her psychic roommate predicted would happen.

Because it wouldn't be a Falcon movie without pretty women, this one has plenty. The most prominent are Amelita Ward, Jean Brooks, Isabel Jewell, and Rita Corday as the girl with supposed psychic abilities. Ward played the Falcon's irritating Southern belle fiancée in the last picture. Here she's much better (without the accent) as the girl who asks the Falcon for help. Cliff Clark and Edward Gargan return as Inspector Donovan and his sidekick Bates. Both are fun. The scene stealers of the movie are the three girls playing The Three Ughs (Nancy McCollum and the Alvarez sisters, Ruth and Juanita). They're absolutely delightful.

The whole cast is good, even those playing minor parts. Star Tom Conway is, of course, as debonair as ever. He seems to really be enjoying himself in this one. The college setting and cast of mostly young women brings a fresh energy to the series and Conway's performance in particular. It's possibly my favorite of the series and certainly the best starring Conway.

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.