Copyright 14 October 1946 by Monogram Pictures Corp. No recorded New York opening. U.S. release: 2 November 1946. U.K. release through Pathé: 1 September 1947. Australian release through British Empire Films: 17 July 1947. 8 reels. 6,634 feet. 73 minutes.
U.K. release title: SHADOW OF BLACKMAIL.
SYNOPSIS: A lonely hearts club is used as a front for extortion and blackmail.
NOTES: Kay Francis retired permanently from the screen after this one, though she did appear in two TV episodes in the early 50's. She died in 1968. COMMENT: Produced by Miss Francis herself and Jeffrey Bernerd, Wife Wanted is a lively, well-produced programmer with a top-rate cast, including Paul Cavanagh who renders an especially edgy and forceful performance as a very smooth and totally unscrupulous villain. On the other hand, Robert Shayne seems a bit strained as the romantic lead.
Phil Karlson's direction always comes over as admirably slick and the film itself has a surface gloss usually missing in Monogram productions (thanks no doubt to the extra cash provided by Miss Francis). The script maintains interest well, although the conclusion remains disappointingly tame.
U.K. release title: SHADOW OF BLACKMAIL.
SYNOPSIS: A lonely hearts club is used as a front for extortion and blackmail.
NOTES: Kay Francis retired permanently from the screen after this one, though she did appear in two TV episodes in the early 50's. She died in 1968. COMMENT: Produced by Miss Francis herself and Jeffrey Bernerd, Wife Wanted is a lively, well-produced programmer with a top-rate cast, including Paul Cavanagh who renders an especially edgy and forceful performance as a very smooth and totally unscrupulous villain. On the other hand, Robert Shayne seems a bit strained as the romantic lead.
Phil Karlson's direction always comes over as admirably slick and the film itself has a surface gloss usually missing in Monogram productions (thanks no doubt to the extra cash provided by Miss Francis). The script maintains interest well, although the conclusion remains disappointingly tame.