Tonight's Movie: Chain of Evidence (1957) - A Warner Archive DVD Review

CHAIN OF EVIDENCE (1957) is the fourth of five titles in the Warner Archive's Bill Elliott Detective Mysteries Collection.

In this entry Lt. Andy Doyle (Elliott) and Sgt. Mike Duncan (Don Haggerty) investigate the disappearance of Steve Nordstrom (James "Jimmy" Lydon), who was just paroled from a low-security prison.

Steve was hit over the head and has amnesia; he then has the misfortune to go to work for Mr. Ramsey (Hugh Sanders), who is killed by the lover (Ross Elliott) of Mr. Ramsey's wife (Tina Carver). Mrs. Ramsey and her boyfriend make sure that the prime suspect is Steve, the amnesiac employee. Andy and Mike manage to sort it all out in 64 minutes!

This may be the least compelling film in the series to date, but there's still quite a bit of fun stuff in it, including the always-terrifying Timothy Carey as the man who hits Steve in the head. Southern Californians will also enjoy the vintage stock shots and the geographical references.

The acting's not always great, but it moves like lightning. I'm going to be sorry when I've finished this set, as I've really enjoyed it. Elliott is perfectly cast as the straightforward detective. I would guess that anyone who likes Jack Webb TV procedurals such as DRAGNET or ADAM-12 would enjoy this movie collection.

Dabbs Greer, best known as Reverend Alden from LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, plays a psychiatrist who helps Steve. Meg Randall, Claudia Barrett, and John Close are also in the cast.

CHAIN OF EVIDENCE was directed by Paul Landres. It was written by Elwood Ullman, who also worked on SUDDEN DANGER (1955) and the last film in the series, FOOTSTEPS IN THE NIGHT (1957).

Previously reviewed films in this set: DIAL RED O (1955), SUDDEN DANGER (1955), and CALLING HOMICIDE (1956).

CHAIN OF EVIDENCE is a great-looking print showcasing the no-frills black and white cinematography of Harry Neumann. There are no extras.

Thanks to the Warner Archive for providing a review copy of this DVD collection. Warner Archive releases are MOD (manufactured on demand) and may be ordered from the Warner Archive Collection at the WBShop.