Crime: November 2004 Archives

Director: William Nigh
Original Release: 1939
Audio: Mono
Video: 320x240 B&W WMV
File Size: 364MB

Originally released as Streets of New York, starring Jackie Cooper as Jimmy, an idealist just arrived in New York seeking fame and fortune. Jimmy is faced with a series of challenges testing his resolve, morals, and will power. At each turn he asks, What would Abe Lincoln do? Will Jimmy make the right choices or will he be eaten up by the streets of New York?

Director: Otto Brower
Original Release: 1946
Audio: Mono
Video: 320x240 B&W WMV
File Size: 350MB

When the body of a blackmailing PI is presented to the police station in a Midwestern city, the police are on the case to find the killer. Carole Landis, daughter of a local mayor candidate, was seen earlier in the day leaving the PI's office, which makes her a suspect for murder. The local beat reporters smell a smear story and start sniffing around for the opportunity to swing the election with suspicions of murder flying.

Director: Curt Siodmak
Original Release: 1951
Audio: Mono
Video: 320x240 B&W WMV
File Size: 321MB
South American plantation owner, Klaas Van Gelder, is killed by his plantation manager, Barney Chavez, when Chavez falls for the lovely Mrs. Van Gelder. A local tribal witch doctor witnesses the murder and puts a curse on Chavez, turning him into a rampaging gorilla by night. Slowly, the curse takes its toll on Chavez and the murder is revealed. Perry Mason fans will likely enjoy Raymond Burr's portrayal of Barney Chavez. The movie also stars Barbara Payton, who seemed destined for stardom in roles alongside James Cagney, Gary Cooper, and Gregory Peck, before self-destructive behavior led to heart failure at 40.

Director: Burt P. Lynwood
Original Release: 1935
Audio: Mono
Video: 320x240 B&W WMV
File Size: 381MB

Sidney Blackmer plays a smuggler trying to bring Chinese immigrants across the Mexican border. Regis Toomey is the immigration inspector trying to stop him. A young woman complicates things for the inspector and and the melodrama builds to the gripping climax.