Michael Morrison
When I saw this the first time, years ago, I was struck by the performances of Howard Da Silva and Peter Whitney, whose work I knew from their later films.And I was struck. Howard Da Silva is one of those actors I think can do no wrong. What a talent.Peter Whitney is called "fearsome" in his mini-bio here at IMDb, but in "Nine Lives Are Not Enough" he is anything but. This is a difficult, very non-PC role, and it's hard to believe Whitney was just beginning his acting career.Ronald Reagan's forte was not slapstick, and he seems a bit awkward in some of the knockabout scenes, but other times, as the slightly bashful guy, he is very good.Again, since this is a Warner Brothers product, the cast is just great, again with so many superb talents who don't get credit, such as John Hamilton, who must have made 500 movies with no credit.Hamilton's most famous role was as Perry White, editor at the Metropolis Daily Planet, and his most famous line was probably "Don't call me 'chief'!" Reagan's reporter, Matt Sawyer, continually calls Howard Da Silva's editor "chiefie," which is even funnier in the context of Hamilton's presence."Nine Lives" might not be great cinema, but it is great fun.
MartinHafer
This is a B-movie that Ronald Reagan made for Warner Brothers near the beginning of his career. Unlike many of his previous films, here he plays lead and he seemed very adept to this sort of film. Plus it sure helped that he had excellent support in the form of several adept character actors--including Eddie Brophy, James Gleason and Howard de Silva.Reagan plays a crime reporter who seems to drive his boss crazy. Several times, Reagan's stories turned out to be seriously mistaken and instead of firing him, the editor gives him a dead-end assignment--going out on patrol with a couple idiot cops (Brophy and Gleason). However, instead of punishment, it turns out that there really is a story, as a missing millionaire is unexpectedly found dead in a local rooming house. So, it's up to Reagan and his police friends to uncover the mystery in a film that is highly reminiscent of a Falcon or Saint series film. Despite being a very likable and competent film, the series never clicked and this is the only one of the series.
bkoganbing
Nine Lives Are Not Enough is a great example of the studio system at work. This is so obviously a property that was meant for the Cagney- O'Brien duo who made so many good films at Warners. Instead of Ronald Reagan as the fast talking reporter, picture Jimmy Cagney in the part and instead of Howard DaSilva as the hardboiled editor, this is Pat O'Brien to a T. See what I mean.Pat O'Brien was ending his Warner Brothers contract stint and the studio was trying to give Cagney better parts. So we substitute Reagan and DaSilva who as a team wouldn't set the world on fire. Jack Warner was quoted once as saying the reason he supported Ronald Reagan for Governor of California was that while at Warners, Reagan was a very obliging man, who took whatever was given him without complaint. That kind of loyalty needs to be rewarded.Despite this film being a Cagney-O'Brien hand-me-down, it's fast paced and amusing enough on it's own terms. A good cast of colorful character actors help it along. Make special note of the performances of James Gleason and Edward Brophy as the two cops reporter Reagan is assigned with in their patrol car.
bearndahl
This is a delightful mystery with a great performance from Ronald Reagan. At a very quickly paced 63 minutes, the action rarely lets up, and the plot has enough turns to keep you guessing. I was suprised at Reagan's excellent timing and charm - in so many films he comes off as stuffy, but not here. Great supporting cast kept everything lively and great fun to watch - highly recommended!
AD
