Dick Tracy's Dilemma (1947) Reviews

• Among The Better Entries In the 1940s RKO Film Series

  gftbiloxi2008-02-03

  Originated by Chester Gould's syndicated comic strip, Dick Tracy has been a durable cinematic character with appearances ranging from 1930s serials to an over-hyped 1990 blockbuster-style motion picture starring Warren Beatty and Madonna--but the character's film appearances are perhaps most fondly recalled from the 1940s RKO Pictures series. Written with stacco dialogue and seldom running more than an hour, they were welcome "B" movies at almost every matinée. Clocking in at exactly sixty minutes, DILEMMA plays out a fast clip. A fur heist and insurance scam turns deadly when a criminal employs "The Claw"--and not only does the movie rack up an impressive body count, it has considerably more suspense than the usual Dick Tracy flick. Ralph Byrd, who frequently played Dick Tracy, is quite good, but the edge of this film comes from the supporting cast: Jack Lambeth's the Claw is memorably dark; Ian Keith, a noted stage actor whose film credits include QUEEN Christina, scores as the comic Vitamin Flintheart; and Bernadene Hayes proves memorable in the brief role of Longshot Lillie. The cast is very nicely rounded out by Kay Christopher as a particularly appeal Tess Trueheart and such character actors as Lyle Latell, William B. Davidson, Tony Barrett, and Tom Keene. High art it isn't, but DICK TRACY'S DILEMMA is fun in and of itself, fast moving, well acted, and well director by "B" movie workhorse John Rawlins. Certainly among the better outings for the famous character, it's very entertaining. Recommended for Dick Tracy fans everywhere.

• Had me hooked

  Spondonman2004-12-28

  This one has Tracy after a gang of fur-robbers' fence, with a couple of brutal murders thrown in along the way for a good measure. A quite well made entry in the series, I agree that you don't always need a lot of money to make a well thought-out and entertaining film (the stupefyingly bad Blair Witch Project aside). The script and acting is satisfactorily brisk and logical, with a nice RKO-bound seedy and menacing atmosphere in evidence. Down those mean streets the Falcon never went! What makes it stand out however is the OTT performance by Jack Lambert as the Claw - a potent mix of Rondo Hatton's Creeper from the Pearl of Death and Long John Silver - the education system sure must have gone wrong with him! As for Byrd for my money he was perfect as Tracy, with his jaw sticking out further than the brim of his hat producing even more shadows!

• Tracy Meets Noir

  dougdoepke2008-08-18

  Energetic little programmer in the Tracy series from RKO. Of course, the comic strip appeal came largely from the variety of human grotesques who challenged the square-jawed detective week after week. Here, Tracy battles "The Claw", Jack Lambert in excellent Neanderthal makeup with a claw where his hand ought to be. Something should be said in passing for director John Rawlins who had an obscure career, but still came up with the riveting and offbeat Rogue River (1950) as well as the superior B-Western Fort Defiance (1951). Note the fast-pacing and clever touches in this programmer, such as filming from behind the unplugged fan whose blades run down as Sightless (Jimmy Conlin) expires from The Claw. There are a number of noir touches in the lighting and suspense, not surprising since the year is 1947. Also, catch the painting behind the bar. It's not in obvious focus, but there it is-- an almost totally nude woman up to something not quite clear. Now a saloon centerfold may be appropriate for a saloon, but in a kid's picture, it must have been someone's idea of a private joke. Be that as it may, Rawlins was an A-picture talent trapped in a B-movie career. Byrd is excellent as Tracy. In fact the level of performances is better than expected for such a low budget. Speaking of budgets, note how much of the film appears shot from outside studio buildings with their rows of little windows (probably where the writers labored). Note too, how the final chase moves past a mock-up airplane and through what appears to be a prop storage area. Certainly, the cast didn't have to go on location for this one. All in all, it's a good, fast little 60 minutes of the Tracy series. And, oh yes, I don't know who played Tess Trueheart, but if I were the cop, I'd spend less time gum-shoeing and more time around the house.

• You're a killer, Claw! You're nothing but a crazy, stupid killer!

  jokerswild12014-06-20

  Out of RKO's four Dick Tracy films, I would say this is the best. Ralph Byrd makes his return as Dick Tracy for the first time since the serials, and does a bit better than Morgan Conway in the role. Lyle Latell appeared as Tracy's partner Pat Patton in all four films, and is a strong aspect of each film. Sightless is a fun addition, and Ian Keith is quite entertaining as Vitamin Flintheart. The Claw is a great villain with a lot of presence, but I slightly prefer Splitface from "Dick Tracy, Detective". What elevates this above the other three is the cinematography, the others were visually pleasing as well, but this one makes the greatest use of the city and especially the shadows.

• "I'll protect you from the Hooded Claw."

  zeppo-22005-06-05

  Rather like the comic strip upon which this series of films were based, the villains are usually the most interesting. Crippled when a robbery went horribly wrong, the Claw is now as twisted in body as he is in mind. "You're a killer, Claw!" screams one of his fellow henchmen at him and he's got it spot on. When the Claw isn't on screen, the film drops a notch as the good guys aren't that interesting and Tracy is just dull. Still, he gets the job done and the case is solved and the evil Claw meets a fitting end after a thrilling chase through a scrap yard. Low budget and in black & white these films may be but with their short running time, they never outstay their welcome and are fast and entertaining. Something today's overblown two hour plus films could learn a thing or two from. Less is often more at certain times. In case anyone is wondering, the above Summary quote is from the song, 'The Power of Love,' by Frankie Goes to Hollywood.