The Caribbean Mystery (1945)

The Caribbean Mystery is a remake of Mr. Moto on Danger Island (1939)-which in turn was a remake of Murder in Trinidad. James Dunn stars as Mr. Smith, a Columbo-like Brooklyn detective who pops up on a tropical island to track down some missing geologists. In his own shambling, easygoing manner, Mr. Smith uncovers an elaborate murder scheme fomented by a self-styled jungle "boss" who kills anyone who threatens his domain. Our hero must survive bullets, alligators and quicksand before he can collar the miscreant. All three versions of this steamy melodrama were based on a novel by radio commentator John W. Vandercook.