Michael Shayne: Private Detective (1940): cast, story & where to watch
1940 · Film · ★ 6.5
Released in 1940, Michael Shayne: Private Detective is a comedy, drama and mystery film directed by Eugene Forde, running about 77 minutes.
What it’s about. Millionaire sportsman Hiram Brighton hires gumshoe Michael Shayne to keep his spoiled daughter Phyllis away from racetrack betting windows and roulette wheels. After Phyllis slips away and continues her compulsive gambling, Shayne fakes the murder of her gambler boyfriend, who is also romancing the daughter of casino owner Benny Gordon, in order to frighten her. When the tout really ends up murdered, Shayne and Phyllis' Aunt Olivia, an avid reader of murder mysteries, both try to find the identity of the killer.
Who’s in it. Michael Shayne: Private Detective stars Lloyd Nolan as Michael Shayne, Marjorie Weaver as Phyllis Brighton, Joan Valerie as Marsha Gordon and Walter Abel as Elliott Thomas, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.5/10, Michael Shayne: Private Detective has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Michael Shayne: Private Detective page.
If you liked it. Fans of Michael Shayne: Private Detective tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Michael Shayne: Private Detective (1940)?
- In US, Michael Shayne: Private Detective is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Michael Shayne: Private Detective worth watching?
- Michael Shayne: Private Detective holds an audience score of 6.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy, drama and mystery. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Michael Shayne: Private Detective?
- Michael Shayne: Private Detective stars Lloyd Nolan, Marjorie Weaver, Joan Valerie, Walter Abel and Elizabeth Patterson.
- When was Michael Shayne: Private Detective released?
- Michael Shayne: Private Detective was released in 1940, with a runtime of about 77 minutes.