User Reviews

Dick Powell gives a subtle performance in a rather dry drama set in the realm of politics. I admired his acting, but never got interested in the story.

Perhaps what's lacking here is a hook. Right from the beginning, we're aware of something coming out of the past to haunt Powell, and he'll have a big decision to make.

The particulars are he's on he verge of being selected by the bigwigs to run for the U. S. Senate, and with their backing he's likely to win, with perhaps even the presidency looming in reach. But a woman he used to know has a death-bed request to see him once more before she dies. Has Dick grown too big for his britches to honor her wish?

With Frances Dee briefly diverting in the role of his strong-willed wife from a political dynasty herself, Powell has got to decide whether to do the right thing, or strictly do the politically expedient thing just to get ahead. I didn't have any trouble at all predicting which way he'd turn.

This is arid material, as even without being cynical we all know how crass politics have become. The question of being honorable or a profile in courage seems like it belongs to the distant past, making Powell's big decision seem quaint. We've seen too many Lindsey Graham types (actual senators) choose the Dark Side lately.

I think if "Shadowed" had been made for some other anthology series I might have appreciated it more. However, "Four Star Playhouse" was such a brilliantly acted and written show that my expectations for it are extremely high--so it was a tiny bit of a disappointment. It was good...mind you.

When the show begins, Burt Stroude is (Dick Powell) is approached by the husband of one of Stroude's old flames and she apparently is begging to see him before she dies. However, this is a very sticky situation. First, it turns out that Stroude's affair with the woman occurred when she was still married--to the guy begging Stroude to see her! Second, Stroude is in line to become the state's next senator...and a scandalous situation like this might harm his chances. Third, Stroude is now married--and his wife knows nothing about this romance.

This is a decent program. The acting, as usual, is wonderful. The plot, however, is a bit slow in unfolding. My advice--keep watching, as it does get much better towards the end. And, like any episode of "Four Star Playhouse", it is worth your time.