THE CRIME SMASHER (1943)Frank Graham, Edgar Kennedy & Gale Storm | Comedy| B&W Nostalgic Flick

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The Crime Smasher is a 1943 American crime comedy film directed by James Tinling and starring Edgar Kennedy, Richard Cromwell and Gale Storm. It is based on the Radio program Cosmo Jones featuring Frank Graham. The film's sets were designed by the art director Dave Milton. It is sometimes alternatively titled Cosmo Jones in the Crime Smasher.

Synopsis

When the dead body of a gangster is tossed out of a moving car in front of Police Headquarters, Police Chief Murphy is annoyed to see meek, mild Cosmo Jones taking photographs at the scene. An arrest and grilling only reveals that Cosmo is an amateur criminologist who has taken an interest in the case.

Cosmo gets in deeper when he witnesses a failed kidnap attempt of heiress Susan Fleming. Bystander/witness Eustace Smith, who pronounces himself allergic to bullets and knives, attaches himself to Cosmo for protection. Cosmo is delighted to have an assistant as it makes him feel more professional.

A second kidnap attempt on Fleming is successful as she is taken from her bed in her own home. To Chief Murphy's dismay, Fleming's family trusts Cosmo enough to let him handle the ransom drop. After some confusion with lookalike briefcases, Cosmo ends up at the place where Susan is being held captive; sold out by her boyfriend for a cut of the ransom money.

Police rescue Susan in a shoot out with Eustace conquering his fears long enough to kayo several hoodlums with a mallet.

When it is all over, Cosmo announces he'd like to join the police force. This touches off a typical temper explosion from Chief Murphy.

Cast & Crew

Edgar Kennedy as Police Chief Murphy
Richard Cromwell as Sgt. Pat Flanagan
Gale Storm as Susan Fleming
Mantan Moreland as Eustace Smith
Frank Graham as Professor Cosmo Jones
Gwen Kenyon as Phyllis Blake
Herbert Rawlinson as Mr. James J. Blake
Tristram Coffin as Jake Pelotti
Charles Jordan as Biff Garr
Vince Barnett as Henchman "Gimp"
Emmett Vogan as Police Commissioner Gould
Maxine Leslie as Mrs. Jake Pelotti
Mauritz Hugo as Tony Sandol - Gangster
Sam Bernard as Gangster

Directed by: James Tinling
Written by: Walter Gering, Michael L. Simmons
Based on: Cosmo Jones by Frank Graham
Produced by: Lindsley Parsons

Cinematography: Mack Stengler
Edited by: Carl Pierson
Music by: Edward J. Kay

Production Company: Monogram Pictures
Distributed by: Monogram Pictures

Release Date: January 29, 1943
Running Time: 62 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English