The Case of the Black Parrot

Search DVDBeaver

S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r

directed by Noel M. Smith
USA 1941

In this classic crime thriller, passengers start to die aboard a transatlantic ship while a reporter (William Lundigan) races against time to stop a notorious international criminal before he kills again. After falling for a beautiful passenger (Maris Wrixon), the reporter becomes intrigued by the mysterious circumstances surrounding an antique chest her uncle recently purchased. They suspect it's a master forgery by the infamous Black Parrot, but before the couple can make any headway in their investigation, her uncle is found dead. Based on Eleanor Robeson Belmont and Harriet Ford's play and Burton E. Stevenson's novel, this provocative mystery serves up perplexing false clues, unexpected twists and a truly surprising conclusion.

Poster

Theatrical Release: January 9th, 1941

Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews

DVD Review: Warner Home Video (Warner Archive Collection) - Region 0 - NTSC

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	Warner Home Video Region 0 - NTSC
Runtime	:59:10
Video	1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 8.92 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate
Audio	Dolby Digital 1.0 (English)
Subtitles	None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Warner Home Video Aspect Ratio: Original - 1.33:1 Edition Details: • Theatrical trailer (1:15) DVD Release Date: May 3rd, 2012 Keep Case Chapters 23

Comments

This is a very cute mystery. I really enjoyed my viewing. Suspense is built well and the performances develop some pleasing one-dimensional characters. Great start to a double feature...

Very impressive looking! It's standard single-layered but progressive in the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio and aside from some speckles - it looks wonderful. Black levels are strong and detail surprisingly good. Love the period fashions and architecture- check out that table in the first capture. The disc supports the film with a fine transfer with plenty of shadows and light play without noise. Excellent overall.

The mono sound is decent but unremarkable and there are no subtitles offered. The only supplement is the film's trailer - looking a bit rougher.

I think a lot of people may get a similar kick out of The Case of the Black Parrot that I did. It's about as simple and enjoyable as you might anticipate. Fans or the genre and era should consider indulging.