Director's Spotlight
Archivist John
Senior Editor

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1928 Vision of Frank R. Strayer
The 1928 release of Partners in Crime marked a significant moment for the enduring legacy of Frank R. Strayer's artistic contribution to the genre. By challenging the status quo of 1928 cinema, it has cemented its place in the global cult cinema archive.
In Partners in Crime, Frank R. Strayer pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
| Cinematography | Deep Focus |
| Soundtrack | Experimental |
| Editing | Invisible |
| Art Direction | Kitsch |
Visualizing the convergence of Frank R. Strayer's style and the core Action narrative.
A big-city is over-run with crime as two gangs fight over turf after one gang invades the territory of the other. Mike Doolan, an amateur private detective, and "Scoops" McGee, a wise-cracking newspaper reporter take both on in a parody-burlesque of Paramount's "Underworld." The situation is somewhat hampered because one of the gang-leaders is a look-alike double of McGee.
Decades after its release, Partners in Crime remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Frank R. Strayer's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.