The Shadow Strikes (1937)

Director:

Lynn Shores

Writers:

Walter B. Gibson (story)
Al Martin (adaptation) ...

Release Date:

29 October 1937 (USA)

Genre:

Mystery

Tagline:

Scourge of the underworld!

Plot:

Lamont Cranston assumes his secret identity as "The Shadow", to break up an attempted robbery at an attorney's office...

Plot Keywords:

The Shadow | Pulp Fiction | Murder | Based On Pulp Magazine | Based On Radio Show

Cast

Rod La Rocque	...	Lamont Granston
Agnes Anderson	...	Marcia Delthern (as Lynn Anders)
James Blakeley	...	Jasper Delthern
Walter McGrail	...	Winstead Comstock
Bruce Kellogg	...	Humphrey Comstock (as Bill Kellogg)
Cy Kendall	...	Brossett
Kenneth Harlan	...	Captain Breen
Norman Ainsley	...	Hendricks
John St. Polis	...	Mr. Delthern
Wilson Benge	...	Wellington
John Carnivale	...	Warran
James C. Morton	...	Kelly (as James Morton)

Runtime:

61 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Certification:

USA:Approved (PCA #3426)

Company:

Colony Pictures

Goofs:

Continuity: Right after Detective Kelly whisked the two thieves away to the station, Captain Breen encountered 'Randall' (Rod La Rocque) picking up the documents that had fallen on the floor during the attempted robbery. All the ones he had in his hand were neatly folded with a stack of envelopes, which he placed back on the floor when Captain Breen walked in. However when Henry entered the room, the first thing he picked up was a long unfolded sheet of paper.

Movie Connections:

Version of The Shadow (1940)

Fast-Paced B Feature; Not Bad, Though With a Different Feel Than Expected

This is a fast-paced B feature with Rod La Rocque, in the role of "The Shadow", getting involved in a fairly interesting and unpredictable mystery. In several respects, it doesn't really have the expected feel that goes with "The Shadow", but in itself its not bad at all. La Rocque works all right as a mild-mannered, secretive hero, with his manner and even-toned voice conveying calm.

The story in this one starts with "The Shadow" breaking up what seems to be just another petty crime, but quickly becoming involved in a wider and more serious mystery. He must assume additional extra identities, playing a risky game with the various suspects and witnesses.

La Rocque's restrained style makes it come off naturally enough, and while the rest of the characters are mostly one-dimensional, there is enough going on to keep things interesting. While it has a noticeably different feel from the "Shadow" of stories or radio, in itself it's a fairly entertaining way to pass an hour for anyone who enjoys these old B-movies.