Enter Arsene Lupin (Ford Beebe, 1944)_PARENTE Noir

Universal introduces two new properties in this romantic melodrama, which promise to be around for some time. The first is a suave, French "Jimmy Valentine" - one Arsene Lupin, from the stories of Maurice LeBlanc. He is deft and dashing with a touch of Robin Hood and a talent for eluding the police which should insure his appearance in further adventures. The second is George Korvin, a newcomer who creates the role out of a handsome figure, a French accent and the romantic aplomb of a Boyer. Between them they should add many women to the fans of detective fiction on the screen. The story by Bertram Millhauser serves well as an introduction to the personalities, although it offers little plot novelty. Ella Raines, an attractive romantic foil for the celebrated thief, owns a fabulous emerald as well. The stone is coveted by an aunt and uncle, but is of secondary interest to Lupin. His problem is to win the love of the girl and to escape the persistent efforts of Inspector Ganimard to track him down. J. Carrol Naish has an unusual role as the meticulous but slightly stupid inspector and handles it with his accustomed skill. George Dolenz plays Lupin's cutthroat bodyguard, for a good share of the laughs. The film has been well mounted and capably directed by Ford Beebe. Its appeal for the detective fans would be increased, however, by a tighter plot structure with somewhat less reliance upon coincidence for its solution.