classicsoncall So, does anybody know who killed Caleb Delthern and Winstead Comstock? The newspaper headline stated that 'Amateur Criminologist, Granston, Solves Baffling Case'. Maybe they should have let the viewer in on the little secret. Are we supposed to believe the butler did it? Maybe Charlie Chan should have been along to wrap things up in methodical fashion the way he always did at the end of his films.I guess this just wasn't the type of movie I was expecting with The Shadow mentioned in the title. It was merely another detective story of the era with a couple of black hat and cape scenes bookending the story to capitalize on the Shadow name. That's not to say that it was entirely unwatchable, but it helps to have a high tolerance for severely wooden acting and totally implausible situations. Like why was The Shadow at Attorney Randall's office during the opening scene in the first place? Did he know a couple of safe crackers would be there, or did he happen to be in that building at just the right time to foil a robbery? See what I mean? Say, did you notice right after Kelly whisked the two thieves away to the station, Captain Breen encountered 'Randall' (Rod La Rocque) picking up the documents that had fallen on the floor during the attempted robbery. All the ones he had in his hand were neatly folded with a stack of envelopes, which he placed back on the floor when Captain Breen (Kenneth Harlan) walked in. However when Henry (Norman Ainsley) entered the room, the first thing he picked up was a long unfolded sheet of paper.Speaking of Breen, was there ever a detective that followed poorer protocol? Talk about compromising a crime scene, he lets a couple of reporters do anything they want at the Delthern murder scene, while he leaves the room!Too bad gambling boss Grossett didn't have a larger role, I kind of liked his smarmy character. Actor Cy Kendall had the perfect size and demeanor to play a heavy, which he did in 'B' Westerns as well as crime films like you see here.In summing up, I don't see any reason to recommend this one, even for die-hard Shadow fans, because the character's persona and mystique is all but absent. This one may know what evil lurks in the hearts of men, but I wish he had given us a hint. And to top it all off, young Jasper got away with his gambling debt scot free!

disdressed12 this is the first of 6 in the series of The Shadow movies.i didn't mind it.it's entertaining,though not outstanding.Lamont Cranston AKA The Shadow finds himself in the middle of a mystery.Cranston (Rod La Rocque) is also a lawyer and an amateur criminologist,so his skills come in handy and he solves the mystery.possible minor spoiler***The Shadow only makes an appearance,twice,and since they didn't have any cinematic tricks back then,is actually just La Rocque covered in a black cape from head to toe***.but still,i wasn't bored,and the movie is entertaining,and that's what counts.for me,The Shadow Strikes is a 5/10

Snow Leopard This is a fast-paced B feature with Rod La Rocque, in the role of "The Shadow", getting involved in a fairly interesting and unpredictable mystery. In several respects, it doesn't really have the expected feel that goes with "The Shadow", but in itself its not bad at all. La Rocque works all right as a mild-mannered, secretive hero, with his manner and even-toned voice conveying calm.The story in this one starts with "The Shadow" breaking up what seems to be just another petty crime, but quickly becoming involved in a wider and more serious mystery. He must assume additional extra identities, playing a risky game with the various suspects and witnesses.La Rocque's restrained style makes it come off naturally enough, and while the rest of the characters are mostly one-dimensional, there is enough going on to keep things interesting. While it has a noticeably different feel from the "Shadow" of stories or radio, in itself it's a fairly entertaining way to pass an hour for anyone who enjoys these old B-movies.

jmaxwell522 The film was lacking The Shadow as a character and had it not been for previous knowlege, the man who was impersonating the Lawyer would have been just a character, but having know it was Cranston/Shadow, the understanding of what he was doing was evident. Film lacked meat, just a basic plot and quick fix. Good ending and surprise killer. Very cliche though. Overall the film gets a plus for its portrayal of the Cranston/Shadow.