SECRET SERVICE INVESTIGATOR (1948)

Directed by R. G. Springsteen and released by Republic Pictures, this sixty-minute American crime film possesses a twisty screenplay and story by John K. Butler with some concise dialogue and a few quips for the star, Lloyd Bridges, to deliver to Lynne Roberts, who works in the classified advertising department of a local newspaper. Discovering who he is—a World War II hero in the Army Air Force—she gushes over him. With every compliment Bridges' chest gets puffier. But his assumptions are just that. She will be thrilled to tell her young son that she met his hero. Ouch! This fast-paced outing gives Bridges one of his earliest lead roles and he is fine with a coolness, a winning smile, and a commanding voice. He will have another connection with the Secret Service one year later for his film, Trapped, playing a counterfeiter released from prison to help—reluctantly—the Secret Service trap counterfeiters.

Bridges needs work. He cannot believe his good luck when Roberts shows him an ad requesting his service. The lead takes him to an apartment where two await his arrival. Trevor Bardette and Roy Barcroft introduce themselves, respectively, as an inspector and detective with the Secret Service. They also introduce Bridges to an unconscious man lying on a bed. He is startled to see that he and the man look more than similar. Bridges also plays the Dan Redfern character. The Secret Service wants Bridges to pose as Redfern to help them retrieve counterfeit plates from evil, condescending, George Zucco. The movie takes a twisty route as Bridges is spotted on the train by Redfern's wife, June Storey, and her brother, perennial bad guy, John Kellogg. Storey's amorous reuniting with her husband quickly goes cold because Bridge's hair color is different. More than that, he is not missing a thumb. Bridges is suddenly all thumbs and is knocked unconscious with brother and sister taking the plates.

Once back in San Francisco, Bridges finds out Redfern has been killed and Bardette and Barcroft are impostors. Bridges remains cool. The real Secret Service agents arrest Bridges and his story is so involved and detailed the Inspector believes no one could make it up. Throughout the film, Bridges is the most honest guy in any room. He calmly tells everyone the truth and it pays off. Sort of. He is asked to be an actual Secret Service Investigator and continue his charade as the dead Redfern. The plates change hands more than once until Zucco identifies them as fake. The double-crossing gangs of Zucco and Bardette are at odds. An intense fist-fight between Bridges and Bardette seems to go on forever in the exciting, slightly convoluted, climax. Shots ring out, slowing the pace permanently for at least two. After the gunpowder dissipates, Bridges and Roberts start planning their wedding.

Note: Bridges was churning out film after film in supporting roles before leading man status. He was about as busy as anyone in Hollywood in the 1940s. He made up for any lack of matinee idol looks with loads of charisma. His career began to accelerate by 1950 with The Sound of Fury though it was co-star Frank Lovejoy who steals (arguably) the acting honors. Bridges became a household name for US television viewers and, joining some peers, 1980's "Airplane!" helped redefine his long career.