
Criminal Investigator 1942
"EXCITEMENT - SUSPENSE - MYSTERY... all set the stage for one of the biggest "News Stories" of the year!"
Dive into the shadowy underbelly of 1940s crime journalism with *Criminal Investigator* (1942), a gripping noir-style drama directed by Jean Yarbrough.
Director: Jean Yarbrough
Cast







Frequently Asked Questions
What is Criminal Investigator (1942) about?
*Criminal Investigator* follows intrepid reporter Bob Martin as he investigates the murder of a lavish showgirl and wealthy widow, Vivian Wilcox. His probe leads him into a tangled web of hidden motives and powerful figures, where a deaf and mute inmate holds a crucial secret. As the reporter digs deeper, he uncovers a far-reaching conspiracy with deadly consequences.
Who directed Criminal Investigator?
The film was directed by Jean Yarbrough, known for his work in crime and mystery genres during the 1940s.
Who stars in Criminal Investigator?
The film features Robert Lowery as the determined reporter, Edith Fellows as his ally, and John Miljan as the enigmatic antagonist, with Jan Wiley and Charles Jordan rounding out the cast.
Is Criminal Investigator (1942) worth watching?
While it may not be a household name, *Criminal Investigator* offers an entertaining snapshot of 1940s crime drama, packed with suspense and tight pacing. Its noir-inspired atmosphere and twisty plot make it a hidden gem worth tracking down for fans of classic mysteries.
How long is Criminal Investigator?
The film has a runtime of 61 minutes.
About Criminal Investigator (1942) — A 1940s Crime Drama Unraveling a Showgirl's Murder
Dive into the shadowy underbelly of 1940s crime journalism with *Criminal Investigator* (1942), a gripping noir-style drama directed by Jean Yarbrough. When a glamorous showgirl and wealthy widow meets a violent end, reporter Bob Martin (Robert Lowery) stumbles onto a web of deceit that ties her murder to a high-stakes conspiracy. As he peels back the layers, Martin uncovers a deaf and mute inmate who holds the key to unlocking the truth—but the deeper he digs, the more dangerous the secrets become. With a backdrop of jazz-age decadence and backroom deals, this tightly paced mystery keeps tension simmering until the final, explosive revelation.
Starring Edith Fellows as the determined journalist's ally and John Miljan as the shadowy mastermind, *Criminal Investigator* blends crime, suspense, and moral ambiguity into a compact 61-minute thriller. The film's atmosphere crackles with noir aesthetics, where every clue feels like a puzzle piece and every character hides an agenda. Whether you're a fan of classic crime dramas or just love a good whodunit, this 1942 gem delivers excitement that still feels fresh today.