The Shadow Strikes

The Shadow Strikes, a 1937 gem featuring renowned actors like Rod La Rocque, Agnes Anderson, and James Blakely, is an intriguing blend of mystery, suspense, and action. It brought back to the big screen "The Shadow," a character initially introduced to the audience through the media of pulp novels and radio dramas. This movie, in particular, is worth highlighting due to its exceptional storyline, thrilling performances, and praiseworthy direction.

In The Shadow Strikes, Rod La Rocque portrays the dual characters of Lamont Cranston, a wealthy, debonair, intellectual man about town, and his alter ego, "The Shadow." The Shadow is a heroic vigilante and master of disguise and hypnosis who possesses "the power to cloud men's minds, they cannot see him." Cranston uses this clandestine identity to wage a war on criminals, keeping the streets safe from the threats that dwell within the city's dark corners.

When the film begins, we are introduced to an attorney's office where an important will is being read, providing the setup for the interconnected plot lines that will drive the action. Unfortunately, a dynamic turn of events leads to chaos - the office gets ransacked, a murder takes place and the will disappears! Cranston uses his cunning intellect and subdues the situation as "The Shadow."

Interestingly, Cranston isn’t just a vigilante. He is also a professional. He works as a crime-busting attorney, a position that serves to enrich his character and also neatly complement his nocturnal activities. This dual identity of Cranston offers him the unique advantage of tackling the crime world from both sides: a vigilante by night and an attorney by day!

Accompanying Cranston is a feisty reporter named Phoebe Lane, played brilliantly by Agnes Anderson. Her inquisitiveness and dedication to her work make her a force to be reckoned with, and her character adds a charming level of spice and warmth to the storyline. As the plot unfolds, Lane lands in deep trouble, and it's up to Cranston (or more accurately, 'The Shadow') to rescue her from peril.

The Shadow Strikes embraces its 1930's charms with its splendid costumes, sets, and dialogues. It has a unique style, signifying a cinematic time capsule of another era, the sophistication and charm of which contrasts with the dark nature of its crime-ridden story. The backdrop of the city's dark alleyways, law offices, and luxury apartments contribute significantly to the atmospheric quality of the movie.

Rod La Rocque's performance as 'The Shadow' is truly commendable. He brilliantly balances the dual character of Cranston, adding a touch of grandeur and finesse while detailing the difference in both personas. The blend of intellect, charm, and daring make Cranston's character thoroughly appealing, and La Rocque’s brilliant portrayal of these mixed characteristics cements The Shadow as an unforgettable character.

Director Lynn Shores deserves special mention for creating an extremely detailed and enriched cinematic universe that optimally balances humour, action, and drama. The movie’s script, written by Al Martin, is equally engaging, tightly paced to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Both Shores and Martin have successfully captured the essence of the original format and the essence of ‘The Shadow’ character from the pulp novels and radio dramas.

The film's supporting cast, including James Blakely, adds more depth to the narrative, enriching the crime and mystery elements. The actors' performances are impassioned and captivating, testing their characters' moralities and growing increasingly complex as the plot thickens. The twists in the narrative are intelligently dovetailed with suspenseful segments, making the viewers keen to know what happens next.

In conclusion, The Shadow Strikes is a must-watch for fans of suspense and thrillers. It's a remarkable movie that captures the spirit of its literary origin and brings it to life in celluloid. Rod La Rocque’s portrayal of 'The Shadow' is compelling and transcends the backdrop of the 1930s. This delightful mix of mystery, suspense and action, supported by a rousing script and excellent performances, ensures that the audience will be captivated right up until the breathtaking finale.