The first in a series based on Leslie Charteris' character, this B crime drama is a predictable programmer meant to pack in as many shady characters as possible, a bit of mystery and some fast-moving action. Louis Hayward, in his only appearance as the Saint, is not as good as his successor George Sanders would be. Here, he seeks to either knock off or arrest a group of New York gangsters and their ring leader. Kay Sutton is the gang moll he briefly gets involved with, and Jonathan Hale (who would be back in several more of the series) is the New York detective he is brought onto the case by. A few exciting moments, but not really much else. In the end, it's all pretty predictable, although there are a few moments of genuine surprise. The problem in most of the series is that after an interesting set up, the plot moved in such a vague manner it was often difficult to remember who was on who's side and how each of the villains played a part in the escapades.
Review of The Saint in New York
