In a nutshell
A delightful whodunit set during the Christmas time with some compelling performances, brisk pacing and a happy ending.
Plot
Sam Donovan (Dennis O'Keefe), an insurance investigator sets off for a small town to delve into the suicide of one, Roger Philips, who by all accounts was an extremely unpleasant man. On the way there he runs into Anita Weatherby (Barbara Britton), daughter of a wealthy banker in Philips' town, Stu Weatherby (Art Baker). The two hit off instantly and Sam makes plans to visit the Weatherby family once he's done wrapping up the Philips case.
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| Dennis O'Keefe and Barbara Britton <Credits: Cult Cinema Classics> |
Upon arrival Sam calls upon Sheriff Larry Best (William Bendix) to clarify the details of the case only to find all his inquiries being thwarted. Through the evasive replies, Sam learns that no weapon was recovered from the victim's side and the coroner who could have thrown some light into the circumstances of the death is also out of town due to Christmas. The only clue that Sam manages to eke out from the interaction is that the bullet which killed Philips came from a Luger pistol.
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| William Bendix as Sheriff Larry Best |
With his suspicions sufficiently aroused, Sam consecutively interviews the jeweler who found Philips' body and Philips' niece, Margaret, who eloped and married against his wishes. While the jeweler's response is drowned in diffidence, Margaret appeals Sam to drop the case altogether and treat it as a suicide. Considering the lack of assistance from all corners and the fact that the insurance policy had a double indemnity clause, Sam concludes that Philips was murdered and extends his stay in the town to uncover the killer's tracks.
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| Dennis O'Keefe as Sam Donovan |
The extended stay allows Sam to carry on his courtship with Anita and mingle with the Weatherby family. During one of their meetings Anita inadvertently reveals that her father has a Luger pistol in his possession. Sam later learns from Stu that the pistol was given away to a Doctor Gerrow before he moved out of the town. Dr. Gerrow is a man of immense stature in the community and Sam has an inkling that meeting Gerrow might finally resolve all his questions. But that lead goes nowhere too as Dr. Gerrow dies suddenly with a heart attack.
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| Barbara Britton as Anita Weatherby |
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| Art Baker as Stu Weatherby |
The setback notwithstanding Sam soldiers on to construct a timeline of events on the fatal day which highlights three prominent suspects:
- Margaret's husband Frank who had a major tiff with Philips before his death
- Stu Weatherby who was helping Frank with a personal loan
- Sheriff Best who witnessed the argument between Frank and Philips
Will Sam be able to unlock the puzzle in time to make sure that justice is served? You have to watch Cover Up to answer that question.
Conclusion
If your mind is itching for a classic film noir then give Cover Up a try. Its taut screenplay and solid performances from the main cast will keep you engaged. I want to single out Dennis O'Keefe for anchoring this film with his captivating charm. That's not all, there's also a bonus twist in the end which ensures you go home with a smile.
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| Did Sam catch the killer? |
Rated: Time Pass
Until Next Time,
Your storyteller from the golden age of Hollywood.
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