International Crime | 1938 | Mystery | Crime | Thriller

International Crime (1938) Part of the “Shadow” film series Director: Charles Lamont Writer: Charles Belden (screenplay), based loosely on The Shadow character by Maxwell Grant Starring: Rod La Rocque, Astrid Allwyn, Thomas E. Jackson Runtime: 62 minutes Country: United States Language: English Genres: Mystery, Crime, Thriller --- 🧾 Synopsis Lamont Cranston, a suave newspaper columnist with a penchant for crime-solving, finds himself entangled in a dangerous international conspiracy after a diplomat is murdered. Using his intellect, radio show, and shadowy alter-ego, Cranston begins unraveling the twisted plot, but the clock is ticking—and the next victim might be him. --- 🎭 Cast Rod La Rocque as Lamont Cranston (The Shadow) Astrid Allwyn as Phoebe Lane Thomas E. Jackson as Commissioner Weston Oscar O'Shea as Joe Burke Wilfred Lucas as Flotow Terry Walker as Marilyn Vayne --- 🎞️ Production Notes Though inspired by The Shadow character, this film diverges significantly from the pulp noir tone of the radio series and novels, presenting a lighter, detective-focused story. Rod La Rocque reprised his role from a prior film (The Shadow Strikes, 1937). The film was produced by Grand National Pictures, a studio known for lower-budget thrillers and serialized heroes. Cinematography and pacing reflect a pre-war serial influence, often compared to early pulp adventures. --- 🧠 Trivia This was one of the final films produced by Grand National Pictures before the studio went under in 1939. Rod La Rocque’s portrayal of Lamont Cranston lacks the supernatural mystique of later versions, instead emphasizing sleuthing and deductive charm. Astrid Allwyn, known for her supporting roles in 1930s dramas, brings wit and spark to the sidekick role, a rare thing for women in detective cinema of the era. Often shown in public domain mystery compilations, which helped its rediscovery in later decades. Part of a series of three unofficial Shadow films made in the 1930s before the character was better adapted in the 1940s radio series. --- #Hashtags #InternationalCrime #TheShadow #RodLaRocque #1930sMystery #ClassicDetective #PulpCinema #FilmNoirOrigins #GrandNationalPictures #VintageThriller #AstridAllwyn #RadioMystery #GoldenAgeCinema #SerialFilm #ClassicCrimeDrama #CultMystery