Sunset Murder Case

I am pretty amazed that during the Post-Code era that this film ever managed to be shown--and, according to IMDb, it was NOT shown nationally as local censor boards went ape at the plot as well as the brief nudity! Pre-Code (1934 and earlier) I could see such a film getting made--after all, brief nudity and salacious plots were not uncommon. But, after the Code was strengthened, films exactly like this one were to have been banned! Think about it--the film stars the famous naked fan dancer, Sally Rand! This is actually pretty interesting, as another 'exotic dancer' (Gypsy Rose Lee) also wrote a film and acted in a few during this supposedly sex-less era!

The film, however, is NOT all cheesecake and tease. Ms. Rand was a competent actress and the acting and production values were quite good in this little B-mystery. While not a great film, it was interesting, had decent characters and is an unusual curio. Also, while I watched it on my computer, I was surprised how much of Ms. Rand you could see--and on the big screen I am sure the audiences were having a grand time!! In a way, it's a shame they put in this VERY BRIEF nudity, as it tends to obscure the fact that this is a pretty good film and also detracts a bit from the plot.