A good story and a fine supporting cast surround George Raft in this easy-to-take RKO mystery. Based on Charles Gordon Booth's book, “Mr. Angel Comes Aboard” this was a perfect fit for Raft. Casting him as a ship's Captain in New Orleans investigating his father's abandoned vessel allowed his somewhat stoic acting style to mesh with the character. The atmosphere of the French Quarter and the lovely Signe Hasso keep things interesting for mystery fans, and photographer Harry S. Wild gives the film a nice look.

The S.S. Emeline is discovered afloat with no hands on board while on route back to New Orleans from Casablanca. Johnny Angel (George Raft) attempts to discover what happened, knowing his father, the Captain, would not have been involved in anything shady. He tracks down a female stowaway named Paulette (Signe Hasso), but she bolts before he can get a handle on what's going on. Songwriter Hoagy Carmichael had one of his colorful supporting turns as easygoing the cabbie, Celestial. He gets to sing “Memphis in June” while helping both Angel and Paulette; the latter when someone tries to do away with her.

Someone doesn’t want Angel to know what his father took aboard or what happened once he did. Once Paulette learns she can trust Johnny, things point a nightclub run by Sam Jewel (Lowell Gilmore). Enter Lilla (Claire Trevor), the wife of his boss, Gusty (Marvin Miller). She has the hots for Johnny and he plays along — for a while. A double cross and a momma’s boy at his breaking point make for a good climax to this nice mystery, while director Edwin L. Marin lets romance have the last word.

Signe Hasso was easy on the eyes and acquitted herself nicely in Johnny Angel. Raft is solid in a role well-suited to his acting style. Margaret Wycherly also does a nice job. Just enough action peppers this atmospheric mystery to merit it being an enjoyable-to-take film. The opening music by Leigh Harline is beautiful, and Roy Webb's score highlights the nice romantic subplot between Johnny and Paulette. Hoagy Carmichael’s pencil propeller will leave an impression and set this above many others in the cycle. A good one from RKO. ( )

2022 movie #96. 1945. Captain Angel (Raft) finds his father's ship adrift, the crew missing. As he investigated he uncovers a gold smuggling conspiracy being run by his shipping company's owner's wife. Enough twists and turns to satisfy any noir fan. ( )