Is International Crime Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1938)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1938, International Crime represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Mystery, Crime, Science Fiction category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The second and final Grand National Pictures film to feature The Shadow, played again by Rod La Rocque. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Mystery, Crime, Science Fiction are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "The second and final Grand National Pictures film to feature The Shadow, played again by Rod La Rocque. In this version, Lamont Cranston is an amateur detective and host of a radio show with his assistant Phoebe (not Margo) Lane. Cabbie Moe Shrevnitz and Commissioner Weston also appear."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Rod La Rocque ensure that the emotional beats of International Crime always land with sufficient weight. Rod La Rocque provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Charles Lamont is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 62 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is International Crime truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Mystery, Crime, Science Fiction, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5.4/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, International Crime explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1938 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Charles Lamont respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, International Crime is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Rod La Rocque or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, International Crime is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.