Son of a policeman, Bob Martin joins the News Journal and shows a natural aptitude for reporting. His knowledge of sign language helps him to get information from a prisoner to kickstart his new career. He is on the case of a burlesque dancer who has just been released from prison only for her to get murdered. She was on her way to rendezvous with her kid sister Ellen who is innocently holding a set of keys worth $300,000. They are safety deposit keys to access a will which villain Judson wants to destroy so he can get his hands on the fortune. Robert Lowery plays Bob Martin in a suitably cavalier manner. Edith Fellows plays the prep school ingenue Ellen. John Miljan is the sly Judson who easily wins the confidence of innocent Ellen. I like the little known rhythm numbers that pop up in these 1940s Monogram mysteries. This one has a song called My Dreams Don't Do You Justice which is very catchy.

The film noir subgenre emerged in the 1940s and 1950s and is characterized by its dark, moody atmosphere, intricate plots, morally ambiguous characters, and distinctive visual style. These stories often depict crime, mystery, and psychological drama with a strong emphasis on shadows, contrasts, and visual storytelling techniques. The term "film noir" is French for "black film."

Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart in The Big Sleep (1946)

The crime genre features criminal activities, investigations, law enforcement, crimes, and the pursuit of justice. Crime stories often revolve around the planning, execution, and consequences of criminal acts, as well as the efforts to solve and prevent such acts. They explore various aspects of criminal behavior, motives, and the moral dilemmas faced by both perpetrators and those seeking to uphold the law.

James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Sharon Angela, Max Casella, Dan Grimaldi, Joe Perrino, Donna Pescow, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Tony Sirico, and Michael Drayer in The Sopranos (1999)

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

The mystery genre features the investigation and solving of a puzzle, typically a crime or an enigmatic event. Mysteries are known for their suspenseful narratives, intricate plots, and the challenge they present to readers or viewers to piece together clues and solve the central mystery alongside the characters.

Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. in Chinatown (1974)

The romance genre features the theme of romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters. These stories focus on the development of love, desire, and intimacy between protagonists, often exploring the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs that arise in their relationships.

Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (1942)

A reporter investigates the murder of a showgirl, who was the widow of a millionaire.

Robert Lowery in Criminal Investigator (1942)

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Get a closer look at some of Hollywood&#39;s perfect pairs.

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

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William Holden, Nancy Olson, and Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard (1950)

Edward G. Robinson, Barbara Stanwyck, and Fred MacMurray in Double Indemnity (1944)

Humphrey Bogart and Mary Astor in The Maltese Falcon (1941)

Farley Granger, Ruth Roman, and Robert Walker in Strangers on a Train (1951)

Charlton Heston, Orson Welles, and Janet Leigh in Touch of Evil (1958)

Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant, and Claude Rains in Notorious (1946)

Sterling Hayden and Marie Windsor in The Killing (1956)

Joseph Cotten and Teresa Wright in Shadow of a Doubt (1943)

Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews in Laura (1944)

Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck in Spellbound (1945)

Paul Bryar, Edith Fellows, Robert Lowery, and John Miljan in Criminal Investigator (1942)

Edith Fellows, Robert Lowery, and John Miljan in Criminal Investigator (1942)

Edith Fellows and Robert Lowery in Criminal Investigator (1942)

Criminal Investigator

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