Number four of the twelve-picture Michael Shayne series. In this one, Shayne tackles Nazi agents who have stolen industrial diamonds that, while valuable, are neither blue nor white – and a long way from perfect. But, never mind. Aside from a slightly disappointing climax, this is a well-nigh perfect little "B" with an outstanding cast and A-1 technical effects. Lloyd Nolan's fans will be glad to see their hero get away with another of his famous impersonations. He's a bogus Southern colonel this time. Co-star, Mary Beth Hughes, is forceful too; but the plum female role is taken by Helene Reynolds who plays so delightfully and with such captivating ease, one wonders why she didn't become a major star. George "Superman" Reeves come across well too, but the guy who has all the male contingent (including Lloyd) well and truly beaten, is Curt Bois, who enjoys a made-to-order role as an over-solicitous steward.

"Blue, White and Perfect" is probably the best Michael Shayne film made up to that point. As amusing as watching Shayne butt heads with a police inspector was in previous entries, here the almost total absence of an inspector leaves more room for an array of memorable supporting characters, such as those played (very well) by George Reeves and Helene Reynolds. The film also benefits from having nearly its entire second half set on a ship; for some reason this series seems to work best on long-distance means of transportation (don't forget the train in "Sleeper's West"). And there is a genuine surprise at the end - actually, two surprises, if you count the cliffhanger. **1/2 out of 4.

Diamond smugglers lead detective Michael Shayne to shipboard intrigue and danger.A lively cast, good production values, and an intriguing mystery, add up to a superior entry in the Michael Shayne series. Lloyd Nolan is so good as the brash detective, injecting real spark into his scenes. Ditto the brassy Hughes as his long-suffering girlfriend. But it's really Superman George Reeves who surprises as the mustachioed bon vivant, O'Hara. He's looser and more charming than I've seen him—no "Man of Steel" here. And I wonder what became of Helene Reynolds who also shows flair, as a shady lady, but appears to have left the business soon after. Too bad.Anyway, it's a TCF production, which means even B-pictures get quality attention, as the well stocked crowd scenes show. Plus, the suspense part keeps you guessing, like who's trying to drown Shayne and O'Hara aboard ship— a really well thought out and nail-biting sequence. Then too, all the ingredients are wrapped into a neat fast-moving package by director Leeds. In passing-- note how the politics of the diamonds remains curiously unclear. It looks like the movie was produced around Pearl Harbor time, but no mention is made of the Japanese. Instead, Nazi's are mentioned as behind the diamond smuggling, even though America is not yet at war with Hitler. I wonder what the story is here.Nonetheless, this energetic little programmer still manages a solid degree of entertainment plus.

Crisp black and white prints look very good on my HD set. Great film, part of a package of four on two DVDs. My wife and I have now gone through three with one to go. I was intrigued by product placement which is very unusual at this time in film history. For example, in Sleepers West, a pack of Chesterfield cigarettes is held so that anyone can read it. Then, in Blue, White and Perfect, two cartons of Chesterfields are held up for the longest time. Mission Orange soda is also prominently shown and directors make no effort to disguise the makes of the great cars used in the films. DelMonte is plainly advertised along with Yellow Cab. Also, there seems to be just enough location scenes to give the viewer a good look at life in the 40s. This Michael Shane group is great fun and easy viewing; four little time machines waiting to take you back.