Blue White And Perfect (1942)

A private detective (Lloyd Nolan) is hired by a defense plant to look out for possible sabotage. Instead, he finds himself in the middle of a theft of industrial diamonds and on a cruise liner to Hawaii with several possible suspects. Directed by Herbert I. Leeds, this was the final entry in a four movie franchise from 20th Century Fox featuring Nolan as detective Michael Shayne. The series would continue at another studio with another actor playing Shayne. It's a typical detective mystery utilizing a WWII Nazi plot. It's competent and does what it sets out to do but Nolan's Shayne doesn't have the likability of a Nick Charles or Charlie Chan. He's a rather self centered guy who exploits the girl (Mary Beth Hughes) who loves him by constantly lying to her and even bilking her out of money. As an actor, Nolan lacks the charm of a William Powell who might have made us give him a pass. But if you're a fan of detective stories or murder mysteries, you should find this moderately enjoyable. With George Reeves, Helene Reynolds (who makes for a nice femme fatale), Steven Geray, Mae Marsh and Ann Doran