"CRIME DOCTOR" is a well-made, fast-paced 1943 Columbia Pictures programmer directed by MICHAEL GORDON, actor and film editor, who had been a classmate of Elia Kazan at the Yale Drama School, and one of the younger members of the Group Theater during its final Broadway years. This film is distinguished by fine acting, particularly by a number of Hollywood's most reliable character actors for once cast against type: Ray Collins (Boss Gettys in CITIZEN KANE), John Litel (Nancy Drew's understanding father) and Leon Ames (Father in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS), all playing the sort of roles they were rarely given again. It's unlikely that Gordon, on staff at Columbia at the beginning of his career had anything to do with the casting, but he's does a splendid job with all members of the cast. Gordon, who was blacklisted in the McCarthy era, is best remembered today for PILLOW TALK. This film is a perfect example of the factory system that gave many a talented beginner a chance to learn how to make movies.
Review of Crime Doctor
