The Nancy Drew: Original Mystery Movie Collection (DVD, 2007)

Carolyn Keene (a pseudonym for many writers) had a francise on a teenage detective in the 30's that became a beloved series of books for many a young girl. Warner Brothers, hoping to cash on the popularity of the novels filmed 4 movies starring Bonita Granville. Granville was known for playing mean or "brat" roles and the Drew series broke her typecasting in Hollywood. These movies may appear a bit "cutesy" to some, but Drew embodied the all American girl of her era. The movies portray an intelligent teenager with a clever knack for solving mysteries. They are at times very funny and manage to maintain suspense making this another great entry into the genre of the era. The studio hoped to continue this series, but Granville was growing up and wanted roles more suited to her age. She eventually went onto produce the famous LASSIE TV series in the 50's.

NANCY DREW DETECTIVE: the first in the series involves a dowager who promises $250,000 to Drew's school then mysteriously disappears.

NANCY DREW REPORTER: has the teen sleuth struggling to work for the city paper and clear a woman she believes is not guilty of murdering her benefactor.

NANCY DREW TROUBLESHOOTER: Helps to clear a farmer of of murder.

NANCY DREW & THE HIDDEN STAIRCASE: deals with a creepy old mansion and helping two old ladies in trouble (a notorious mobster). This one manages to add some chills to the story.

These are only plot teasers in the hopes the reader will watch this series. It is up to par with all the famous detectives of the era. Don't settle for the remakes or the dismal TV series. This is the original Nancy Drew that all nostalgia buffs will find a "winner". It's in Drew's words "24 80" (referring to WPA wages at the time).

Well worth a watch.

If you like the fun loving old movies of the B/W era you will be pleased. This is based loosely on the children's book series widely read by us baby boomers.