Marjorie Reynolds

Not until several murders occur does Chinese detective James Lee Wong unmask the killer.

A large sum of money disappeared from a ship before it was sunk and a shipping magnate is found dead. The detective James Lee Wong investigates.

Four young people from different walks of life, struggling to become successful comedian-actors in Hollywood. The lure of Hollywood has mesmerized thousands of hopefuls, desperately in search of the spotlight. In the heady atmosphere of romantic illusions the young often become prey for seasoned carnivores offering a quick, easy path to success. The four aspiring comics, Reggie Sinclair, TD "Tru Dogg" Kincaid, Dede Calvin and Bo Clark, form a tenacious bond, a forged bravura maneuvering through the cutthroat world of the entertainment biz. Seeking a place to practice or simply of solace and retrospection, they regularly gather on the roof top -- adjacent to the comedy club, working out their comedy routines and the drama of their lives. Just as life moves with the speed of a single blink of an eye, the lives of these four friends ramp to a breakneck pace. In a moment, dreams shatter and smiles turn upside down. Through the journey of these performers unravels the drama of comedy.

Deported crime boss Nick Ferraro (Emmy-winner Raymond Burr "Rear Window") needs to re-enter the United States to run his operation. His plan involves hard-up gambler Dan Milner (Golden Globe-winner Robert Mitchum "Cape Fear"), who is persuaded, both by a series of beatings and a substantial sum of money, to sell his identity to Nick. En route, Dan meets the singer Lenore Brent (Jane Russell "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes"), who is actually posing as an heiress, trying to marry a millionaire. On arrival at posh resort in Baja California, Dan finds the ostensibly rich, carefree guests all playing roles...except for the Hollywood actor Mark Cardigan (Vincent Price "House on Haunted Hill," "Edward Scissorhands"). Directed by Oscar-winner John Farrow ("Around the World in 80 Days").