Bodyguard (1948)

Goofy Noir murder mystery about a much too slow detective (Lawrence Tierney) who quits the police force only to be then hired by the nephew (Phillip Reed) of a meat magnate (Elisabeth Risdon) who fears his aunt’s life is in danger.

He is initially reluctant to accept the job, but upon almost witnessing a murder attempt at her own home is convinced there is active danger.

When he tails the aunt out in the dead of night and he is not only set up for a murder, but also almost killed himself it becomes obvious things are not quite what they seem.

The precise details of the plot might not be immediately apparent (though the audience will catch on much quicker than the detective), and the identity of the killer should be immediately obvious to anyone.

The whole thing is harmless, silly fun and the presence of Priscilla Lane (Arsenic and Old Lace) and Bobby Barber (The Abbott and Costello Show) and some comedic pachuco characters might be indicative of the light touch which was intended; though the potential for gruesome murder is always in the background from the time of the first visit to the meat packing plant.

Set in L.A. and Hollywood, some nice locations are used, possibly recognizable even if no longer in existence.

Directed by Richard Fleischer, with June Clayworth, Steve Brodie, and Frank Fenton.

A quick, breezy thriller.