Cosmo Jones, Crime Smasher

Cosmo Jones, Crime Smasher is a delightful mesh of mystery, humor and intrigue, starring the brilliant Frank Graham in the title role, supported by the comedic genius of Edgar Kennedy and the charming Gale Storm. Released in 1943 and directed by James Tinling, this entertaining film chronicles the unforgettable adventure of a quirky, amateur detective and his daring quest to unmask a notorious gang leader.

The film is set in an urban milieu of mystery and crime, where the police seem to have their hands full with a ruthless gang that's been terrorizing the city. The identity of their cunning leader remains a shrouded secret, defying the best efforts of the beleaguered police department. Amid the mayhem, enter Cosmo Jones, a linguistics professor turned 'crime smasher’, endowed with an eccentric but sharp intellect. Frank Graham embodies the character of Cosmo Jones with flair, creating an entertainingly unusual hero that captivates audiences right from his intro scene.

Cosmo Jones is not the typical detective, instead, he is a brilliant linguistic professor with an unparalleled knack for decoding languages. When he stumbles upon a gang member secretly communicating in a unique cryptic code, he takes it upon himself to crack the case. With his exceptional linguistic skills, he's able to decipher the code to reveal hidden plans of the notorious gang.

Edgar Kennedy who stars as Police Sergeant Mike Riley adds a delightful comedy edge to the crime drama. His portrayal of a harried, bumbling cop brings about episodes of high comedy, making for a contrast to the seriousness of the gang and crime scenes. Kennedy is frustrated with Jones' amateur sleuthing which only seems to complicate matters and disrupt the focus of the police investigation. This aspect of their relationship creates an entertaining cat-and-mouse game between Kennedy and Graham, adding a humorous and frenetic pace to the film.

Gale Storm plays the role of Juliette, a news reporter and the love interest of Cosmo Jones. She is an adventurous and ambitious journalist willing to take whatever risks necessary to get her story. Her character adds an element of romance and helps to soften the harsh realities of the criminal world depicted. Storm delivers a charming performance, balancing between her professional aspirations and then burgeoning romance with the awkward but endearing Cosmo Jones.

The movie earns its credibility by mixing humor, romance, and suspense into an edge-of-your-seat narrative. Graham's few comedic interactions with the rest of the cast, especially with Edgar Kennedy, are well placed and do not overshadow the main plot. The director, James Tinling, essentially weaves a web of mystery that grips the audience from the start and releases only at the end, keeping the intrigue alive throughout the film.

The movie’s cinematography perfectly captures the shadowy and gritty world of organized crime, whilst contrasting it vivaciously with episodes of humor and romance. The script of the film is intelligent and fast-paced, with dialogues that are sharp, witty and perfectly delivered by the cast.

Another highlight of Cosmo Jones, Crime Smasher, is its exceptional soundtrack. The score blends seamlessly with the plot's progression, pumping up the atmosphere at the right moments while providing a softer undertone to the more romantic scenes.

In conclusion, Cosmo Jones, Crime Smasher is a wonderful combination of the crime and comedy genres, presenting an interesting detective character that the audience can easily root for. The film expertly balances its elements of mystery, humor, and romance, offering both suspense and relief at the right time. The performances of Frank Graham, Edgar Kennedy, and Gale Storm are stellar, bringing to life a story that is both engaging and entertaining. It's a film from the 1940s worth watching, owing to its well-crafted plot, commendable performances, and exceptional directorial finesse.