Mystery Movie Series of 1940s Hollywood

by Ron Backer

McFarland & Company (series)

Many of the 20th century's most celebrated fictional sleuths appeared in Hollywood movie mystery series of the forties. This volume focuses on 19 series (146 films): The Saint, The Lone Wolf, Sherlock Holmes, The Shadow, Nick Carter, Michael Shayne, Ellery Queen, Boston Blackie, The Falcon, Mr. District Attorney, Wally Benton, Crime Doctor, The Whistler, Inner Sanctum, Dick Tracy, Philip Marlowe, Jack Packard and Doc Long, Steve Wilson and Lorelei Kilbourne, and John J. Malone.

For each series, there is an overview of the source material, the individual films, and the performers who acted in them. An overall review of each film is included, with a critique of the film's quality and the cohesiveness of its plot. For movies based on written works, a comparison between the film and its literary original is offered.

Ellery Queen, Boston Blackie, Michael Shayne, Dick Tracy, the Falcon; these are but a few of the celebrated fictional sleuths who appeared in popular Hollywood movie mystery series. This volume focuses on 19 series (146 films) that were primarily released during the 1940s. The properties range from such enduring favorites as Sherlock Holmes and The Saint to such lesser-known efforts as the Whistling comedies with Red Skelton and the Monogram Shadow features. For each series, there is an overview of the source material, the individual films, and the performers who acted in them. Included is a review for each film and a discussion of quality and cohesiveness of the mystery plot. For movies based on specific written works, a comparison between the film and its literary original is offered.