The Villainous Shadow (1933)

During the Golden Age of Radio, the Shadow was a crusading crime fighter named Lamont Cranston. In this 1933 English film produced by Real Arts Productions, the Shadow is a villainous murderer and blackmailer. The film opens up with the Shadow demanding payment from a famous lawyer.

The Shadow promises to expose the lawyer who can’t pay. Facing exposure and possible jail time, the lawyer reports the blackmail to Scotland Yard before taking his own life. One of Scotland Yard’s best detectives traps the Shadow but is killed during the struggle. After the death of a fellow police officer, Scotland Yard is more determined than ever to catch the mysterious figure.

Strangely, the pursuit leads to country home of Sir Richard Bryant, the police commissioner. Besides two stranded motorists, an author and his daughter, Sir Richard will give shelter to several of his policemen.

Detective Chief Inspector Fleming believes that he knows the identity of the Shadow. Fleming must catch the killer before he claims any more victims. Knowing that Fleming is close, the Shadow decides that Fleming will be his next victim.

How many detectives will die before the Shadow is captured?

I would categorize this film (affiliate link) as more of a “B” film but an enjoyable one. The film runs approximately 70 minutes.

What did you think of this film? Did you guess the identity of the Shadow? You can leave a comment or ask a question about this or any post on my Facebook page and Twitter profile.

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