COSMO JONES, CRIME SMASHER

Cinemavixion Review

In "Cosmo Jones, Crime Smasher," James Tinling directs a charming Monogram comedy that playfully satirizes the amateur sleuth. Frank Graham stars as Cosmo Jones, a small-town enthusiast who, armed with a correspondence course in detection, ventures into the big city. His earnest, if somewhat misguided, attempts to solve crimes lead him into the thick of gang wars and kidnapping plots. The film is elevated by its supporting cast, featuring the comedic talents of Edgar Kennedy and Mantan Moreland, whose performances add significant levity and character. The movie essentially pioneers the 'do-it-yourself detecting' trope, offering a delightful and humorous take on the detective genre that was likely quite fresh for its time.