MartinHafer What a difference a decade could make to a man's career. Back in 1931, Ricardo Cortez was a big name in Hollywood--starring in the first "Maltese Falcon" film as well as many other A-pictures. Now, in 1941, he is working for King Brothers Productions--a so-called 'poverty row' production company. And, he's starring in movies that are clearly low-budget B-films. It's a shame, as I always liked Cortez's easy-going acting style, though it's nice to see that despite the pedigree of this film, he did his usual competent job in the leading role.The film sure grabs your attention early! The film begins as a man is about to be executed for a murder he doesn't deny committing. However, just before he's to die, he starts to unload to the witnesses--telling them that he killed the man because it was a contract killing. And, since his employer did NOT step in to save him (like he'd promised), he wanted to betray his identity. But, at that moment, the convicted killer suddenly dies--victim of a poisonous dart! But who in the room did it?! The why is certainly not in question! Apart from Cortez, the cast is mostly made up of unknowns--some of which were less than stellar in their acting as well as how well these characters were written. In fact, the plot itself (aside from the dandy introduction) was all pretty standard fare for a 1930s-1940s B-murder mystery--nothing particularly inspired to set it apart from hundreds of other similar films. On the other hand, the film does fill a niche and is a decent example of the genre. For fans of this type of film, it's sure well worth seeing. But, if you aren't a B-mystery fan, you probably should look for a better one with which to start--such as Charlie Chan, Boston Blackie, the Crime Doctor or the Falcon.By the way, the prison doctor's description of curare was not correct. It does NOT kill instantly but paralyzes the body--causing the heart muscles to stop and the victim to die due to strangulation. If you know a person was injected with the drug, you COULD perform CPR and actually keep them alive until the substance works itself through the system (I learn the coolest things being married to a suspense author). I DON'T recommend you try this at home to see if I am correct, however!

Hitchcoc I'm beginning to find that the poison dart must have been quite popular in early mystery films. This is at least the fourth such movie I've seen. This one involves one of these darts cheating the hangman. A convicted murderer is about to enter the death chamber when he collapses. There are news people and an array of characters in the room, so one of them must have done it. After that it's the usual stuff. There is the aggressive young female reporter who would rather be married than continue her career. She gets in a bit over he head, of course, and sets things on edge. This is better than most. The acting is fine, there are some famous character actors, and the movie has a sense of humor. You can tell the production value is pretty good. If you don't think too much you can sit back and enjoy this like a bad TV show.

Michael O'Keefe An interesting whodunit set in a prison conference room. A convicted murderer is set for his execution in the electric chair and is given a chance for a last statement after remaining mum during his incarceration. Before he can reveal the name of who placed him in jeopardy he drops dead in front of a room full of reporters and law enforcers and experts. Now one of the witnesses is a murderer, but who? This low-budget thriller is effective in sustaining interest and offers some surprises. Directed by Phil Rosen for Monogram Studios. I KILLED THAT MAN stars strong B-picture stars like: Ricardo Cortez, Joan Woodbury, George Pembroke, Iris Adrian and John Hamilton.

David (Handlinghandel) This is a mystery with elements of comedy. It also has (minor) noir elements and a romantic touch.Ricardo Cortez is excellent in the lead. We begin as a man is about to be put to death in prison. The press and the law are there, as well as a few others who like to observe executions.Things do not go as planned. And Cortez tries to solve the mystery right on the spot. That doesn't work. His girlfriend, reporter Joan Woodbury, gets involved. Iris Adrian is, as always, effective as a moll.This sort of thing continued to be standard fare at Warner Brothers till the mid-forties. Interestingly, Monogram does it even better here. The list of players boasts only Cortez as a box-office name. But it's cast in a clever and entertaining manner and neatly directed by Phil Rosen.