Movie spotlight
The Shadow Strikes
Lamont Cranston assumes his secret identity as "The Shadow", to break up an attempted robbery at an attorney's office. When the police search the scene, Cranston must assume the identity of the attorney. Before he can leave, a phone call summons the attorney to the home of Delthern, a wealthy client, who wants a new will drawn up. As Cranston meets with him, Delthern is suddenly shot, and Cranston is quickly caught up in a new mystery.
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Plot Summary
A ruthless gangster, known only as The Shadow, is terrorizing the city with his syndicate. When his criminal empire begins to expand into new territories, it puts him in direct conflict with a determined district attorney and his team. The district attorney must race against time to uncover the Shadow's identity and bring him to justice before the city is completely consumed by his influence.
Critical Reception
As a product of its time, 'The Shadow Strikes' was generally received as a standard B-movie crime thriller, offering moderate entertainment value. While its pacing and suspense were often praised for the era, critical commentary also noted its predictable plot elements and the typical sensationalism common in films of this genre. Audiences at the time likely found it a serviceable distraction, fitting into the popular crime narratives of the late 1930s.
What Reviewers Say
A competently made, if uninspired, crime drama.
Relies on familiar tropes of the gangster genre.
Offers moments of suspense typical for its era.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific 1937 film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Despite the title and the prevalence of pulp magazines featuring the famous "The Shadow" character, this 1937 film is not directly related to the popular Lamont Cranston radio or pulp hero, but rather features a different character with a similar moniker in a standalone crime story.
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