CRIME BY NIGHT is a neat little programmer that gives JEROME COWAN one of his few leading roles in films. He was usually the man who supported the big Warner stars in films ranging from MR. SKEFFINGTON to THE MALTESE FALCON, always a reliable character actor.
For an up-and-coming contract star, JANE WYMAN was given little to do in this caper, making me wonder how she ever reached full fledged stardom at the studio that insisted on wasting her talent in fluffy, very inconsequential roles in films like this and FLIGHT ANGELS, always the brassy wise-cracking dame before she tackled more serious roles. Another actress with a future at the studio is also on hand in a small part, ELEANOR PARKER, but it's FAYE EMERSON who has the most interesting role and she makes the most of it.
The story is a dull contrivance about a vacationing detective (Cowan) who helps clear an innocent man of murder. He and Wyman join forces to solve the crime which turns out to be embedded in some sort of spy plot that is never hinted at until the final scene.
Summing up: A weak programmer that wastes the Warner contract players.
For an up-and-coming contract star, JANE WYMAN was given little to do in this caper, making me wonder how she ever reached full fledged stardom at the studio that insisted on wasting her talent in fluffy, very inconsequential roles in films like this and FLIGHT ANGELS, always the brassy wise-cracking dame before she tackled more serious roles. Another actress with a future at the studio is also on hand in a small part, ELEANOR PARKER, but it's FAYE EMERSON who has the most interesting role and she makes the most of it.
The story is a dull contrivance about a vacationing detective (Cowan) who helps clear an innocent man of murder. He and Wyman join forces to solve the crime which turns out to be embedded in some sort of spy plot that is never hinted at until the final scene.
Summing up: A weak programmer that wastes the Warner contract players.