It's a lively cast with a non-clichéd plot in a B-movie programmer. Just who are the two guys claiming to be investigators sent to safeguard an expensive necklace for a big jewelry firm. Whoever they are, they change names faster than clothes. The two start off as Northrup and Dale, but then switch handles, and that's just for starters. The only thing we know for sure is that Dale-Northrup (Cookson) has an eye for lovely secretary (Weaver), while Northrup-Dale (Ryan) alternates between low-humor and stern seriousness. Confusing—heck yes! So whoever or whatever they are, be sure to bring a scorecard.
It's a good energetic cast, doing more than picking up a paycheck. Plus there's the aristocratic Frank (Watkin) in a nicely nuanced turn. But whatever you do, don't ask to see his aged mom (Blandick). She may make you rethink the whole idea of motherhood. Sure, the sets are few and spare, while the camera gets outdoors once, I think. But then this is Monogram, who really produced the 1940's equivalent of what would become TV programming.
I'm glad TMC did a little tribute to director William "One Shot" Beaudine, who directed this feature. Sure, he never amounted to more than a studio contractor, grinding out these cheapos year after year in reliable fashion. As a helmsman, he may not have style or budget for embroidery, but give him a decent script and some willing players, and he could turn out an entertaining 60-minutes, as he does here.
