A crime drama centered on private detective Mike Shayne, who becomes entangled in a dangerous case after stumbling upon a murdered man and a lottery ticket connected to stolen bonds. As he follows the trail, Shayne encounters double-crosses, hidden motives, and a cast of suspicious characters while racing to uncover the truth.
Genre: Crime / Mystery / Detective
Director: Sam Newfield
Sam Newfield was one of the most prolific directors in American film history, particularly known for his work in low-budget productions during the 1930s and 1940s. Working frequently for Poverty Row studios such as Producers Releasing Corporation (PRC), he directed hundreds of films across genres including Westerns, crime pictures, and adventure serials. His ability to produce fast, efficient, economical pictures made him a central figure in B-movie filmmaking.
Star Cast:
- Hugh Beaumont as Michael Shayne
- Cheryl Walker as Phyllis Hamilton
- Paul Bryar as Tim Rourke
- Ralph Dunn as Inspector Pete Rafferty
- Charles Quigley as Thomas Larrabee
- Louise Currie as Helen Brimley
- Gavin Gordon as Carter
- Collette Lyons as Miss Miller
- Douglas Fowley as Barney
- Anthony Warde as Brad
Audiences familiar with the Mike Shayne detective series enjoyed the film’s straightforward mystery plot and Hugh Beaumont’s calm, confident interpretation of the hard-boiled detective. As a typical PRC B-picture, it received limited critical attention but was appreciated by fans of quick-paced, modestly budgeted crime stories. It fit well into the era’s popular detective-movie cycle and found its audience mainly through double bills and neighborhood theaters.
Fun Facts:
- Hugh Beaumont played Mike Shayne in several films, giving the character a smoother, more relaxed persona than earlier interpretations.
- Director Sam Newfield frequently worked under multiple pseudonyms, including Peter Stewart and Sherman Scott, to mask the sheer volume of his output.
- The film is part of the long-running series adapted from Brett Halliday’s detective novels featuring private eye Michael Shayne.
- Like many PRC productions, it was shot quickly and economically, relying on minimal sets and a tight shooting schedule.
Subscribe to our Rumble Channel for daily updates. Click here to register if you don't have a Rumble account.
