1
Terror on a Train (1953) | Directed by Ted Tetzlaff
1:12:21
2
Final Appointment (1954) | Directed by Terence Fisher
1:03:24
3
Operation Manhunt (1954) | Directed by Jack Alexander
1:18:05
4
The Mad Doctor (1940) | Directed by Tim Whelan
1:30:49
5
Phantom of Chinatown (1940) | Directed by Phil Rosen
1:01:07
6
The Sphinx (1933) | Directed by Phil Rosen
1:02:22
7
The Sign of Four (1932) | Directed by Graham Cutts
1:13:13
8
Alibi (1929) | Directed by Roland West
1:23:01
9
The Ghost Camera (1933) | Directed by Bernard Vorhaus
1:04:11
10
Blind Alley (1939 | Directed by Charles Vidor
1:09:06
11
October Man (1947) | Directed by Roy Ward Baker
1:31:11
12
Rear Window (1954) | Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
1:52:01
13
Dial M for Murder (1954) | Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
1:45:24
14
Fog Island (1945) | An American mystery film directed by Terry O. Morse
1:08:37
15
House of Secrets (1936) | American mystery film directed by Roland D. Reed
1:08:15
16
The Red House (1947) | A psychological mystery thriller directed by Delmer Daves
1:40:24
17
Mr. Wong, Detective (1938) | American mystery film directed by William Nigh
1:08:27
18
Sherlock Holmes: Pursuit to Algiers (1945)
1:05:04
19
Sabotage (1936) | Alfred Hitchcock's thriller based on Joseph Conrad's novel "The Secret Agent"
1:16:31
20
Mr. Wong in Chinatown (1939) | American mystery film featuring Boris Karloff
1:10:34
21
The Mystery of Mr. Wong (1939) | American mystery film directed by William Nigh
1:10:24
22
Sherlock Holmes : The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939)
1:19:43
23
Sherlock Holmes : The Case of the Red-Headed League (1953)
26:43
24
Sherlock Holmes : The Pearl of Death (1944)
1:08:41
25
Night Train to Munich (1940) | British thriller film directed by Carol Reed
1:35:04
26
The 39 Steps (1935) | Directed by the master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock
1:26:14
27
The Hidden Hand (1942) | Mystery thriller directed by Benjamin Stoloff
1:06:46
28
Strange Illusion (1945) | Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer
1:25:11
29
Spellbound (1945) | Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
1:50:51
30
The Upturned Glass (1947) | A British psychological thriller directed by Lawrence Huntington
1:22:27
31
The Spiral Staircase (1946) | A classic psychological thriller directed by Robert Siodmak
1:23:38
32
The Fatal Hour (1940) | Directed by William Nigh
1:06:15
33
The Dark Past (1948) | Directed by Rudolph Maté
1:14:07
34
Rebecca (1940) | Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
2:10:41
35
The Thin Man (1934) | Directed by W.S. Van Dyke
1:30:54
36
Another Thin Man (1939) | Directed by W.S. Van Dyke
1:42:37
37
Shadow of the Thin Man (1941) | Directed by W.S. Van Dyke
1:37:00
38
Song of the Thin Man (1947) | Directed by Edward Buzzell
1:22:58
39
The Thin Man Goes Home (1945) | Directed by Richard Thorpe
1:40:27
40
And Then There Were None (1945) | Directed by René Clair
1:36:59
41
Gaslight (1940) | Director: Thorold Dickinson
1:23:37
42
The Strange Affair of Uncle Harry (1945) | Director: Robert Siodmak
1:20:12
43
The Dark Tower (1943) | Directed by John Harlow
1:33:19
44
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) | Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
1:15:37
45
Young and Innocent (1937) | Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
1:22:32
46
The Saint in London {1939) | Directed by John Paddy Carstairs
1:12:21
47
The Saint Strikes Back (1939) | Directed by John Farrow
1:04:22
48
The Saint's Double Trouble (1940) | Directed by Jack Hively
1:07:00
49
The Saint Takes Over (1940) | Directed by Jack Hively
1:09:31
50
The Saint in Palm Springs (1941) | Directed by Jack Hively
1:05:43
51
Green for Danger (1946) | Directed by Sidney Gilliat
1:31:08
52
The Clairvoyant (1935) | Directed by Maurice Elvey
1:17:02
53
My Cousin Rachel (1952) | Directed by Henry Koster
1:38:10
54
The Iron Curtain (1948) | Directed by William A. Wellman
1:26:48
55
Don't Bother to Knock (1952) | Directed by Roy Ward Baker
1:16:11
56
Woman in White (1948) | Directed by Peter Godfrey
1:48:52
57
Dressed to Kill (1946) | Directed by Roy William Neill
1:11:50
58
Ladies in Retirement (1941) | Directed by Charles Vidor
1:32:13
59
The Black Castle (1952) | Directed by Nathan H. Juran
1:21:34
60
Doomed to Die (1940) | Directed by William Nigh
1:07:24
61
Charlie Chan in The Scarlet Clue (1945) | A mystery film directed by Phil Rosen
1:04:47
62
Charlie Chan's Secret (1936) | A mystery film directed by Gordon Wiles
1:12:26
63
Man in the Attic (1953) | A mystery thriller film directed by Hugo Fregonese.
1:22:09
64
Dangerous Crossing (1953) | A suspenseful mystery film directed by Joseph M. Newman
1:15:40
65
Cottage to Let (1941) | A 1941 British thriller directed by Anthony Asquith
1:25:56
66
Wanted for Murder (1946) | Directed by Lawrence Huntington
1:37:20
67
Crack-Up (1946) | Directed by Irving Reis
1:33:18
68
The Unseen (1946) | Directed by Lewis Allen
1:20:57
69
The File on Thelma Jordan (1950) | Directed by Robert Siodmak
1:40:04
70
Dial 1119 (1950) | Directed by Gerald Mayer
1:14:56
71
The Hidden Room / Obsession (1951) | Directed by Edward Dmytryk
1:38:24
72
M (1951) | Directed by Joseph Losey
1:28:18
73
Shock (1946) | Directed by Alfred L. Werker
1:10:09
74
Grand Central Murder (1942) | Directed by S. Sylvan Simon
1:13:37
75
Detour (1945) | Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer
1:07:49
76
Suspicion (1941) | Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
1:39:33
77
Rope (1948) | Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
1:20:16
78
Sudden Fear (1952) | Directed by David Miller
1:51:00
79
The Second Woman (1950) | Directed by James V. Kern
1:30:44
80
Cause for Alarm! (1951) | Directed by Tay Garnett
1:13:47
81
The Thirteenth Hour (1947) | Directed by William Clemens
1:05:45
82
The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt (1939) | Directed by Peter Godfrey
1:11:10
83
Shadow of a Doubt (1943) | Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
1:47:49
84
Mystery of Marie Roget (1942) | Directed by Phil Rosen
1:00:34
85
Among the Living (1941) | Directed by Stuart Heisler
1:08:57
86
Secret Beyond the Door (1947) | Directed by Fritz Lang
1:38:37
87
The Lost Moment (1947) | Directed by Martin Gabel
1:28:16
88
State Secret / The Great Manhunt (1950) | Directed by Sidney Gilliat
1:45:15
89
The Secret of the Whistler (1946) | Directed by George Sherman
1:04:24
90
Jennifer (1953) | Directed by Joel Newton
1:13:12
91
The Third Visitor (1951) | Directed by Maurice Elvey
1:21:00
92
Yellow Canary (1943) | Directed by Herbert Wilcox
1:33:38
93
The Lady Vanishes (1938) | Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
1:36:21
Sleepers West (1941) | Directed by Eugene Forde
1:13:55
95
The Spider Woman (1944) | Directed by Roy William Neill
1:02:11
96
Terror by Night (1946) | Directed by Roy William Neill
59:38
97
Fear in the Night (1946) | Directed by Maxwell Shane
1:10:56
98
The Mystery of the 13th Guest (1943) | Directed by William Beaudine
1:00:39
99
This Was a Woman (1948) | Directed by Tim Whelan
1:39:45
100
A Woman's Vengeance (1948) | Directed by Zoltan Korda
1:35:55
101
Two in the Dark (1936) | Directed by Benjamin Stoloff
1:17:36

Sleepers West (1941) | Directed by Eugene Forde

1 year ago
252

"Sleepers West" is a 1941 mystery thriller directed by Eugene Forde. The film is based on the novel "Railroad Detective" by Francis Van Wyck Mason and is part of the Michael Shayne detective series. The plot follows private detective Michael Shayne, played by Lloyd Nolan, who is tasked with escorting a crucial witness, Helen Carlson, to a high-profile trial. As they travel on a westbound train from Denver to San Francisco, Shayne must navigate a web of intrigue and danger, including murder attempts and mysterious passengers, to ensure Helen's safe arrival.

Cast:
- Lloyd Nolan as Michael Shayne
- Lynn Bari as Kay Bentley
- Mary Beth Hughes as Helen Carlson
- Louis Jean Heydt as Everett Jason
- Don Douglas as Jim Linder
- Edward Brophy as George Trautwein
- Ben Carter as Porter

"Sleepers West" is a well-crafted, fast-paced thriller that capitalizes on the confined and suspenseful setting of a train journey. Eugene Forde's direction keeps the narrative tight and engaging, balancing moments of tension with clever dialogue and character interactions. The film's screenplay effectively adapts the novel, maintaining a steady build-up of suspense and intrigue as Michael Shayne uncovers the secrets of the various passengers.

Lloyd Nolan delivers a strong performance as the witty and resourceful Michael Shayne, bringing charisma and a touch of humor to the role. His chemistry with Lynn Bari, who plays journalist Kay Bentley, adds an enjoyable dynamic to the film. Mary Beth Hughes stands out as Helen Carlson, portraying vulnerability and determination in equal measure. The supporting cast, including Edward Brophy and Louis Jean Heydt, provide solid performances that enhance the film's atmosphere and plot development.

Upon its release, "Sleepers West" received positive reviews from critics who praised its brisk pacing, engaging storyline, and strong performances. Critics noted the film's effective use of the train setting to create a sense of claustrophobia and urgency, which heightened the suspense. Lloyd Nolan's portrayal of Michael Shayne was particularly well-received, with reviewers highlighting his ability to blend toughness and wit, making the character both relatable and compelling.

The film's blend of mystery, action, and light-hearted moments was appreciated by audiences, making it a popular entry in the Michael Shayne series. Some critics also commended the film's ability to maintain tension without resorting to excessive melodrama, keeping the narrative grounded and believable.

In modern retrospectives, "Sleepers West" is considered a classic example of early 1940s detective thrillers. Contemporary critics and film historians appreciate its tight storytelling, well-executed suspense, and the charismatic performance of Lloyd Nolan. The film remains a favorite among fans of the detective genre, showcasing the enduring appeal of the Michael Shayne character and the effective direction of Eugene Forde.

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