Michael Shayne Mysteries Vol. 1 (1941)

Worth Disccovering -- Better Late Than Never

Michael Shayne (Lloyd Nolan) is a short, spunky Irishman (with a hint of New York chutzpah), an ex-cop who is now a private detective. He's usually low on cash, fast with his fists and knowledgeable about local low lifes. In other words, a typical 1940s private eye.

This series isn't well known, but it's worth discovering.

The prints in this release are first-rate, and the writing and acting are a step above the usual B level. At the same time, some of the Shayne movies seem to run out of plot -- or perhaps they just ran out of money -- before the end, so don't expect total perfection.

The best of the this bunch is "The Man Who Wouldn't Die." The plot borders on the ridiculous, and the ending is forced and unbelievable, but the atmospheric "ghost house" is wonderful. "Michael Shayne, Private Detective" is probably the second best.

This four-pack is well worth your dough. The only complaint I have is that the four films are stuffed onto two disks, front and back.

--Lan Sluder July 16, 2008

Great Detective Movies (with lots of humor) -When Will Vol. 2 Appear?

I'd never heard of this series of movies before, but am glad I bought this set on a whim when it went on sale at 50% off here on Amazon. What a great wise-cracking detective - reminds me of Archie Goodwin in the Nero Wolfe stories.

These movies are fun - lots of 1940s action and humor. An earlier reviewer gives a good overview of each movie, so I won't try to add to those. I can only say how much I enjoyed this set & am hoping that Vol. 2 is released soon.

If you liked A & E's Nero Wolfe series, you might want to take a look at these movies.
June 20, 2008

Michael Shane Mysteries

I was so glad to see these movies released on DVD. Lloyd Nolan is perfect for the part of Michael Shane, private detective. Anyone who likes the mystery movies from the forties will enjoy these. There is a nice combination of mystery and comedy in each. June 14, 2008

Michael Shayne "mystery " resloved!

I saw one of Shayne's mysterys years ago.....wont say how long though!
Was facinated then and saddened I couldnt find dvds....until now!
Always thought Mr. Noland was an under rated actor...I like his "take" on the role.Sam Spade (i.e. Mr. Bogart) he aint but still stands up .Good stuff to watch on a dreary Saturday afternoon. June 2, 2008

classic B-movie fun!

The Michael Shayne movies (based around Brett Halliday's fictional super-sleuth), are some of the most enjoyable B-movies, starring Lloyd Nolan (best-remembered for playing Doc in "Peyton Place") in the title role. This box set features four classic films from the original franchise.

MICHAEL SHAYNE, PRIVATE DETECTIVE (1940): Cash-strapped Mike is called on to help keep an eye on a gambling-addicted debutante (Marjorie Weaver); an assignment which soon dissolves into murder and mayhem. Co-starring Elizabeth Patterson and Walter Abel.

BLUE, WHITE AND PERFECT (1941): While promising to finally settle down with his impatient fiancee (Mary Beth Hughes), Mike instead cashes in her check for the downpayment on their house, and boards a cruiser headed for Hawaii, where he's soon mixed up with a former girlfriend (Helene Reynolds) and a jewel smuggling operation. Co-starring George Reeves.

SLEEPERS WEST (1941): Boarding a train with a mystery blonde (Mary Beth Hughes) who's due to be the surprise star witness in an explosive murder trial, Mike hooks up with a wisecracking reporter (Lynn Bari), and uncovers a whole mess of trouble!

THE MAN WHO WOULDN'T DIE (1942): Familiar faces Marjorie Weaver and Helene Reynolds return as different characters in arguably the most entertaining Mike Shayne film in the set. Mike is called upon to pose as the husband of serial-bride Weaver, whose homecoming is marked by murder, blackmail and a death-defying gunsmith.

This top-value DVD boxset will be relished by classic movie enthusiasts. These entertaining murder mysteries (with their liberal doses of one-liners and light humour), are a great alternative to the more traditionally-themed Noir titles produced around the same period. Also included are featurettes, restoration comparions, trailers, and picture galleries. Four classic mystery gems for a superb, super-low price! May 10, 2008

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