Chad Allen made his debut as Donald Strachey, openly gay detective based in Albany, New York in Third Man Out. Allen is hired by Jack Weatherell noted gay blogger whose specialty is outing closeted gays, especially those in conservative clothing. But now one of those who Weatherell is gathering research on is maybe looking to kill him. The usual death threats have been made and there have been incidents.The subject of outing is still a controversial one, but becoming less and less because as the forces of fundamentalist religion and the homophobia they engender denies our access to equality in the USA and other places in the world. There is more and more agreement that the Larry Craigs of the world need to be outed. But in 2005 Allen as Strachey is still coming to grips with his feelings on the subject as is his partner Sebastian Spence.Later on murder does occur and Allen zeroes in on three really good suspects, a Republican Congressman, a closeted gay children's show host and none other than Roman Catholic Bishop of the Albany diocese. They all are real good candidates. I do like Allen in this role very much and I wish I had seen this film first as it sets up characters and situations in the two succeeding Strachey films I saw before Third Man Out. Allen is completely in the pulp fiction tradition of Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe. A young man who loses his job in this film because of what Allen does in his former boss's office in his search for the truth is later hired and becomes his secretary/receptionist. The seedy office Strachey operates from is straight out of Mickey Spillane.However as is the times Strachey is completely devoted to his partner Spence and probably were among the first to be married this year when New York got same gender marriage. The love is strong because he takes a pass on Matthew Rush, gay male porn star who plays one in this film and in which we get to see exactly what Strachey passes on. Married or unmarried fidelity as the case may be is NOT in the Spillane, Chandler or Hammett tradition.Third Man Out is a well made film, shot in Toronto and Vancouver, which don't look a bit like Albany and has a real novel twist at the end.

I watched this film simply because First Wave's impossibly handsome Sebastian Spence was in it. I wanted to see what other roles he might play. His character here is completely different from Cade Foster, and completely charming. The plot has as many twists as an Agatha mystery novel, constantly keeping you guessing, and pulling the rug out from under you when you think you have finally figured it all out. However, it is also a thriller. The protagonist, Chad Allen as private eye Donald Strachey is neither tough nor particularly intelligent, though his body ripples. I was on the edge of my seat worrying about what would happen to him next.It is a movie about gay people, exploring all kinds of issues from blackmail, to outing, to spying, to HIV, to gays in the military, to sexual abuse. The main pair of characters have a loving, domestic monogamous relationship. It is nice to see a gay couple portrayed realistically. Sex is not the #1 priority for most gays. They are both clean cut, pleasant and sympathetic. At times Spence reminded me of Cary Grant in Arsenic and Old Lace. The lead gay couple don't take drugs, go to orgies or commit suicide as seems mandatory in so many other movies about gays.There is a touch of frontal male nudity, and a short tasteful scene of a male-male couple in bed caressing gently. It is not a sleasy film despite some of the subject matter. There are also photos of the bad guys engaged in S&M.This is a film unlike any other. I never could guess where it was going next. It is delightfully entertaining, every last minute of it.

This was so disappointing..It had such a standard storyline..Yes .You may say hang on its about a gay private eye and gay characters ,thats true but the screenplay,storyline, characters are the same as your standard private detective and murder, etc. The dialogue is the same as your standard TV private Detective episode . The acting is so ordinary, not one good acting performance in it , though to be fair in such a lousy story and screenplay its difficult to shine for any actor. If this is the best Ron Oliver can offer I suggest he sticks to the day job. One more note is the soundtrack.. truly bad.. small sounding like they were short of of musicians and the same as the Movie .Miss this one everyone. I mean it.

Ron Oliver is to be commended for bringing this first story from the Donald Strachey Mysteries by Richard Stevenson (screenplay by Mark Saltzman) to the screen. This first story is so well written, directed, acted and filmed that it can only give us hope that the other novels in the Donald Strachey series will be forthcoming.The story is a modern detective story that takes place in Albany, New York and is complete with realistic characters, a fine plot well paced, and a number of twists and turns that keep the audience not only entertained but glued to the screen. The difference, here, is that the detective Strachey (Chad Allen in an impressive performance) happens to be a gay man, well adjusted, living with his wholesome and tender partner Timmy (Sebastian Spence). The action involves a gay activist John Rutka (Jack Wetherall) with a penchant for outing political figures whose agenda is not friendly to the community. He likewise lives with a healthy life partner Eddie (Woody Jeffreys) and the two seem targeted for death by apparent candidates for Rutka's next outing computer magazine. Strachey is engaged to protect Rutka despite initial, partner-supported feelings that Rutka disrupts closeted men's lives too ruthlessly. But take the case on he does and he proves to be not only smart but wise while remaining a lovable detective. The plots thickens and surprises are everywhere just as good detective mysteries should have. But along the way the film takes the time to make some cogent statements about the clergy and politicians and other significant matters that raises this movie to a fine level of social consciousness.The cast is excellent and the love scenes are beautifully presented. There is even some beefcake (Matthew Rush as the 'Dik Steele' porn star in the buff) and club scenes to lighten the action. The film includes a superb featurette with Ron Oliver discussing how the film made it to the screen and includes for once some healthy conversation from openly gay actors who are enlightened about their roles. Though obviously a 'gay film', the story and production are so strong that any audience will find this a fine mystery! Highly recommended.