The Shadow Returns (1946) (a classic film review).
I was surprised to find that the sequel to the ‘The Shadow’ film serial was actually a 1946 film titled ‘The Shadow Returns’. It featured the same lead actors, but unlike its predecessor, it didn’t rely on weekly cliff-hangers. Interestingly, the film could arguably stand alone without the presence of the Shadow character. The story unfolds in a cemetery late at night, where a grave is dug up under the supervision of two police officers. Their bearded consultant runs away with the discovered jewels, only to vanish in a nearby guesthouse.
Police Commissioner Pierre Watkins calls in his consultant sleuth, Lamont Cranston, portrayed by Kane Richmond. Cranston is joined by his girlfriend, Margo Lane, played by Barbara Read, and his chauffeur, Shrevvie, acted by Tom Dugan. Together, they scrutinize the guesthouse’s occupants, which is complicated by the fact that all are there to discuss jewelry. The plot thickens when two of the occupants are murdered. Meanwhile, Police Inspector Cardona, portrayed by Joseph Crehan, is not very keen on their presence but tolerates them to appease the Commissioner.
The humor content in this film is considerably raised, and even today, most of it still lands effectively. Although Cranston dons his costume from time to time, we never see him fully outfitted. Instead, he is represented metaphorically as a shadow on the wall. Cardona spends as much time chasing this elusive shadow as he does searching for the thief or murderer, yet he never makes the connection.
As far as detective stories go, it’s quite decent for its time period. However, it’s worth noting that the plot could be easily adapted for any non-Shadow story, underscoring its versatility and timeless appeal.
GF Willmetts
December 2023
(pub: DVD 61 minute film. Price: varies. ASIN: 6664D)
cast: Kane Richmond, Barbara Reed, Tom Dugan, Joseph Crehan, Pierre Watkin and Robert Emmett Keane
