Acute Observer

His Thirty Years in the FBI, Jun 21 2010

The Bureau, by William C. Sullivan

This very readable book was finished by Bill Brown in 1979 after the accidental death of William C. Sullivan. Sullivan agreed to testify in 1977 for the Congressional Committee that investigated the JFK Assassination, but was shot in a hunting accident before he could appear. This 286 page book contains sixteen chapters covering 1941 to 1971, three Appendices, and an Index. Bill Brown first met Sullivan in 1968 when doing research for a television documentary ('Introduction'). In the 1970s they talked again about a book to set the record straight about the inner workings of Hoover's organization. Sullivan joined the FBI in 1941 while working for… Read more

Another Undercover Investigation, Jun 21 2010

Below the Border, 1942 film

The film begins with a stagecoach drawn by four horses going through the hills. There is danger in this country. The Sheriff tacks Wanted posters in the stores. Five robbers chase the stagecoach, firing many shots until the guard and driver are shot. Is the stranger a coward? There is drama in the tavern. A cattle buyer from Kansas watches a man mop the floor. The Sheriff sends out men to trail the robbers. Is it healthy to have too good a memory there? Did someone tip off the robbers that valuable jewels were carried by Miss Garcia? We learn the robbers work for Scully, the tavern owner. We learn who is their contact at the Garcia ranch. "The Rough… Read more

Another Locked Room Murder, Mar 25 2010

Terror By Night, 1946 film

The film shows an expensive diamond 'The Star of Rhodesia'. All who possessed it came to a sudden and violent death. A new coffin will be used to send a body to Scotland. They show scenes of Euston Station in London. Sherlock Holmes studies the faces of passengers. Lady Margaret Carstairs will travel to Scotland with her valuable jewel. Can it be safe from thieves? Watson is late for the train. Holmes inspects this 423-carat diamond. [Did you see anything?] Roland Carstairs does not join his mother in the dining car. The 'Star of Rhodesia' is gone! We see the other passengers in the carriage. One of them must be the murderer. Dr. Watson asks some… Read more