Actuakers One of my all time favorites.

Organnall Too much about the plot just didn't add up, the writing was bad, some of the scenes were cringey and awkward,

Grimossfer Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%

Invaderbank The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

shakspryn Excellent in every way: Conway is smooth, charming, engaging as the Falcon; big cast of many pretty young ladies at a private girls' school; moody exteriors of cliffs and the pounding surf, always a plus in this kind of movie; a real mystery plot, the solution of which makes sense--how rare is that!--good work from all supporting players; fine exteriors of the girls' school, the cliff and beach, well alternated with process shots; reasonably good print on the dvd; literate and enjoyable script; and very well paced by the director. RKO spent money on this production, and it shows. We have one of the bigger casts of extras for this kind of 1940's series mystery movie. The sets and locations are good. Mystery and humor are very well combined. This film can hold its own against the best of the other good series of this time: the Universal Sherlock Holmes movies, and the last Fox Charlie Chan films. It really is that good!

dougdoepke Arguably the best of the Falcon series. The movie's a fast-paced, highly entertaining blend of mystery, atmosphere, and gentle humor. And who in production had the casting inspiration for the three little Ugh girls. Their bits are utterly charming as they pipe up like syncopated petunias. And I wasn't even put off by all the girls at the school mooning over a very dapper Tom Conway, apparently dividing his time here with Val Lewton's great horror films. He's perfectly cast as the urbane sleuth. Rita Corday also shows some acting chops as well as beauty as the spooky Marguerita. Her psychic moments provide a good atmospheric touch. Also, those seaside scenes, especially along the cliffs, add a lot of local color. And speaking of atmosphere, credit that fine RKO team of art director D'Agostino and set decorator Silvera for taking time out from the Lewton series. Those quaking bushes, moody pathways, and elaborate interiors typify their expert hand. On a lesser note, the whodunit is rather routine, but develops into an exciting climax. At the same time, the cop humor from Clark and Gargan is thankfully understated for a change.Anyway, in my little book, the movie's a minor gem among the many detective series of the movie-drenched 1930's and 40's.

Michael_Elliott Falcon and the Co-eds, The (1944) ** 1/2 (out of 4) Standard film has The Falcon (Tom Conway) investigating the murder of a teacher at an all girl's school. This series has been what you'd call "B-movies" but every once in a while a B movie will try and be something it's not and that's the problem here. This film tries very hard to be smarter than it actually is and the screenplay goes in about twenty different directions but none of them are very interesting. The film gets off to a slugish start and never really recovers, although there are a few good moments including three little girls who try and help The Falcon. The supporting cast is mostly forgettable and even Conway isn't his energetic self, which is never good for the lead in one of these types of films. As with the previous film, there's no sidekick this time out so the film struggles to get any laughs.

Spondonman Because this entry starred so many girls and women it was one of my daughter's favourite Falcon's when very young, and I agree it does have some nice scenery in it. There were plenty of feminine things to relate to here, with brooding dark mystery and a frisson of the romantic paranormal – always a hit with the ladies. Also comic banter par excellence between the murders, between the leads.Tom (the Falcon) Lawrence gets called upon to investigate the death of a teacher at Bluecliff Seminary for girls, and uncovers a seething nest of unrest. His elderly presence at the school has the hep young ladies in a flutter as well as the shifty teachers. The buildings and grounds are beautifully and atmospherically photographed – after all, this was RKO's best period with films like Magnificent Ambersons, I Walked With A Zombie and Seventh Victim etc, so why not some of the sadly neglected Falcon series as well? This time Inspector Why Timothy! Cliff Clark and stalwart sidekick Ed Gargan aren't chasing the Falcon to nail him for the murders but to help him clear it all up albeit with a battery of badinage, a refreshing change.One of the best entries in the series imho, pleasant entertainment with nothing heavy in it thankfully and thus thoroughly recommended to fans; but if you didn't like this I wouldn't recommend any of the others to you unless you're masochistic.