Main Cast: Tom Conway, Barbara Hale, Rita Corday, Jean Brooks, Veda Ann Borg
Release Year: 1944
Country: US
Run Time: 67 minutes
Plot
This delightful entry in RKO Radio's "Falcon" series finds amateur Tom Lawrence (Tom Conway), aka The Falcon, tring to solve a series of Tinseltown murders. The killings all seem to be tied in with a "jinxed" movie production, supervised by neurotic studio executive Martin Dwyer (John Abbott). Accompanied by wisecracked lady cabbie Billie (Veda Ann Borg), Lawrence pokes around a studio backlot, gathering clues and grilling suspects all along the way. Could the murderer be pretty starlet Peggy Callahan (Barbara Hale), haughty prima donna Lili D'Alio (Rita Corday) or shady "businessman" Louie (Sheldon Leonard)? Filmed on such locations as the Hollywood Park race track and the Hollywood Bowl, The Falcon in Hollywood spends most of its time within the offices, sound stages, technical departments and walkways of the RKO Radio studio itself. The film was one of the most popular of RKO's "Falcon" efforts, posting a $115,000 profit. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Review
One of the best of the entries in the Falcon series, The Falcon in Hollywood is a treat for fans of the series and a good little film for those just "dropping in." RKO was fortunate that Tom Conway turned out to be such an able replacement for his brother(George Sanders, who originated the Falcon role), and Conwayis in tip-top form here. Suave and debonair, yet with an inner toughness and a sometimes chilling ability to rise above difficult situations, Conway's Falcon makes Hollywood immense fun. He's aided immeasurably by Veda Ann Borg, playing a sassy, wise-cracking taxi driver who is a perfect foil to the debonair Conway. The chemistry between the two crackles, and their scenes together are among the best. Hollywood features a surprisingly strong cast all around, with excellent work from Barbara Hale, John Abbott and Sheldon Leonard adding sparks to the flick. The identity of the villain is a bit obvious, and one wishes that even more had been done with the backlot setting and shenanigans, but overall Hollywood is a nifty way to pass the time. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
