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Binding: DVD
Format: NTSC
Running Time: 77 minutes
Sales Rank: 139876
Theatrical Release Date: January 10, 1941
Editorial Review:
Amazon.com:
This very welcome box set turns up the heat on one of detective films' cold cases. Created by Brett Halliday, Michael Shayne appeared in 31 books between the 1940s and '70s. He is not as popularly known as other screen shamuses, but he's good company. As portrayed by Lloyd Nolan (best known as curmudgeonly Dr. Chegley on the groundbreaking sitcom Julia), Shayne is not as hard-boiled as Sam Spade or as sage as Charlie Chan. But, as one shady character observes to someone whom Shayne has just pasted, 'You know better than to mix with Shayne.' He's a working-class mug ('His office is in his hat, his home is in his car,' he remarks), usually 'down on his luck' and short on cash. As Michael Shayne, Private Detective (1940) opens, the furniture from his office is being repossessed. Still, Shayne has ethics enough to turn down $5,000 for a suspicious-sounding case. ('$5,000 will buy a lot of ethics,' he's told). He's got some odd habits, from twirling his keychain to singing the odd Irish ditty. In each film, Shayne manages to get himself into some 'screwy scrapes.' In Private Detective, a 'gag' backfires when an attempt to scare a gambling heiress straight results in a murder with Shayne's gun at the scene of the crime. In The Man Who Wouldn't Die (1942), Shayne pretends to be a wealthy woman's husband to get the lowdown on a body that won't stay buried. In Sleepers West (1941), he's on the right track when he accompanies a murder witness by train to San Francisco. Blue, White and Perfect (1942) is a real gem that finds Shayne embroiled in wartime espionage, smuggled diamonds and dodging his jealous, matrimonial-minded girlfriend.
These lively B-films each clock in at less than 80 minutes. What they lack in budget they more than make up for in shadow-drenched, dark, and stormy atmosphere, Shayne's moxie and inestimable support from some great character actors, such as Clarence Kolb (the crooked mayor in His Girl Friday) and Douglass Dumbrille (the nasty racetrack owner in A Day at the Races), who appear in Private Detective. For a collection of obscure films, this box set has all the trimmings, with three original featurettes that provide efficient primers on Halliday, Shayne, and Robert McGinnis, the artist who created luscious and lurid covers for the Shayne paperbacks. There is also an interactive trivia guide that makes the six-degrees connections between cast members and the film-noir world. This is volume 1, to which we can only say, 'Come back, Shayne.' --Donald Liebenson
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Nice B-movie set
As far as fictional detectives go, Michael Shayne is not really well-known nowadays; in fact, most of the books featuring him are out-of-print. The Michael Shayne movies are also almost forgotten, and Lloyd Nolan, Shayne's portrayer on screen, is not one of the most remembered names of 1940s cinema. However, as shown in the Michael Shayne Mysteries collection, these little B-movies are enjoyable little gems.
This two-disc boxed set has four movies, and though titled Volume 1, there ... Read More
Rating: - Lloyd Nolan as SHAYNE---No further releases a 'SHAME'
Over the past 18 months, I've watched each of the four films included in this set twice---because I obviously enjoy them. They are not the best written or best produced films ever made by a long shot, but they are some of the best 'pre-Noir' detective/mystery films ever made.
Lloyd Nolan was perfect as Mike Shayne, a combination of hard-boiled (when he needed to be) and thoroughly human (though his humor and wit).
At the low price for four films, I would heartily recommend ... Read More
Rating:  - Film Noir
I am a real fan of Mysteries which I consider "Film Noir".
And this was a good example. Also the acting by Lloyd Nolan was very good. I have watched this series of shows several times, since I got it.
And enjoyed it very much each time!
Also I am enjoying collecting OTR shows on Mp3 CD'S. I especially love any of the "Old Time Radio" mystery shows.
Rating: - Hardboiled Gumshoe with quick wit and a heart of gold.
Michael Shayne is a funny guy full of ideas that don't pan out in the detecting business. Barbed witicisms fly and he'll get his man in the end. The comedic value is great too, there are times when he cracks wise that makes me think of the old Bugs Bunny at his best, strong but subtle.
Grab you best pin striped double breasted suit, pop on that 1940's fedora and watch out for dames with guns!
Rating: - 4 great Michael Shayne Mysteries in one nice collector's set!!! What's there not to like!!!
Great job Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment!!! This great collector's set includes 4 classic Michael Shayne mysteries on 2 double sided DVD's!!! And they are restored beautifully,for old films they look incredible!!! Some great featurettes are included for good measure!!! A great deal at a great price!!! Classic stuff indeed!!! Recommended!!! A+
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