moonspinner55 Jean Arthur imbues her movies with so much grace and inner-sparkle that her performances usually save the day, no matter what the picture. Curiously, both she and William Powell are stuck here in a second-string screwball outing, one with a flimsy plot about the investigation into the death of a jockey. Arthur (photographed in gauzy, movie-magazine fashion) either wants alimony from ex-husband Powell or another shot at marriage, but one never feels for her because the character isn't conceived as person--she's just a string of wisecracks. This is the type of 1930s heroine prone to comical inquisitiveness, yet once inside a morgue she does what all women are supposed to do--she faints. Powell reportedly had a high time working with Miss Arthur, but you'd never know it from these results. The two stars look awkward next to each other, hesitant over their banter. The actor playing Powell's valet is excruciating, and the pauses for the expected laughs are pregnant with unease. *1/2 from ****

SimonJack Some movie buffs like to compare various films of the comedy mystery group that William Powell made. Most reviewers focus on the chemistry between Powell and his female co-star, and on how well the co-star handles her role. The prototype for comparison is the role Myrna Loy played as Nora to Powell's Nick Charles in the Thin Man movies. Of course, it's OK to do that. But, recalling the variety of movies Powell was in and looking at the list of his work in the 1930s, I think Powell and movie makers were experimenting. "The Thin Man" was made in 1934, and the next one of that series didn't come out until "After the Thin Man" in 1936 But in the meantime, Powell starred in some other comedies, a couple musicals and a couple of dramas. One of those was a comedy mystery with another star. In 1935, Powell made "Star of Midnight" with Ginger Rogers. So, was it possible that Powell, and/or some movie moguls were looking for the best match with Powell to continue the Thin Man series? I wonder – especially since "Star" and "The Ex-Mrs. Bradford" both were made by RKO.After these two comedy mysteries at RKO, Powell returned to MGM and picked up with the Myrna Loy match for more Thin Man movies. I enjoy all of those films, and I think there was something special about that pairing. But, it doesn't take anything away from these others films or the co-stars performances with Powell. So, here we have a film with Jean Arthur, who became known for her comedy roles; but, who also was very good in dramatic roles. Arthur had a trademark high-pitched and sometimes squeaky voice that takes some getting used to. But, it only takes one film to do that. Some think she plays a ditsy blonde, but I think she comes across as very sharp, but a little naive and silly at times. And, those are endearing traits for her character, Paula, in this film. Nick's role as an M.D. – Dr. Bradford ("Brad") is part and parcel to the mystery and plot of this film. He and Arthur have very good supporting help from a number of other actors. At the top of the list is Eric Blore who plays Stokes. I don't think anyone has ever played a better butler role than Blore in comedies. While maintaining his proper respectful poise in his speech, Blore is fantastically funny in his facial expressions and mannerisms. This is a fine example of how supporting roles can really add to the quality and enjoyment of movies. Other reviewers discuss the plot, so I'll share some favorite lines form the film. Paula, "Oh good, dinner." Brad, "This is hardly the occasion for a banquet, but, uh … Stokes, lock up the silver." After dinner, Paula, "Brad, I've come to a terrific decision. I'm going to marry you again." Brad, "Paula, that's the thing I like about you. You're so subtle." Paula, "Well, I was only doing it for your sake, so you wouldn't have to pay me the alimony." Brad, "Oh, trying to bribe me, huh?"Brad, "Say, what is this, a frame-up?" Paula, "Well, you know, great minds …" Brad, "No. I don't know any great minds."Dr. Bradford examines jockeys before a race. He tells them to come forward one at a time and give their name. The first one steps up, "Ray Torro." Brad checks his heart, "OK, next." The second jockey says, "Al Torro." Dr. Bradford says, "Brothers?" Al, "No, he's my old man." Dr. Bradford, "Where's your grandfather riding?" Al, "Havana." As Brad finishes and leaves, Paula meets him. Paula, "Did you inoculate him?" Brad," With a little difficulty." Paula, Oh, I thought you used a hypodermic."This is a most entertaining film all through. Watch for the classic scenes where Paula tries to help Brad in a couple of scuffles. You might guess what happens. Very funny, indeed.

sanlyn An OK mystery, but I don't get some of the rave reviews here. Were we all watching the same film? Anyone who was paying attention had the murder method figured 15 minutes before Powell catches on. Gathering all the suspects in one room is another weak ploy by writers not nearly as clever as The Thin Man crew (after all, Powell has already seen the film of the killer, already has the evidence, and already knows whodunnit, so what's the point?). You can see most of the laughs coming long before they happen, very few are actually funny, and the rest don't make any sense. Give it a 6 for effort, especially since there are so many good performances from most, though not all, of the crew. Powell is much better than the material. Arthur just seems unable to work with lame jokes and comic devices that keep falling flat (can you blame her?). The problem is a weak, contrived script. Did the writers really think we wouldn't guess who walked off with the gelatin on Powell's scalpel? Gimme a break. Ignore the humor and you have at least a decent mystery. As for the laughs alone, I give it a 2. I understand this was one of RKO's biggest hits in 1936. Must have been the big names that brought the crowds in. Frankly, I would have asked for a refund.

Craig Hamrick This movie was made the same year as the first Thin Man film, and it's another stylish black-and-white murder mystery starring the same leading man (William Powell), so comparisons are inevitable. Its script isn't nearly as strong as the best of the Thin Man flicks, but if you're a big TM fan, this film can ALMOST feel like an extra entry in the series -- except that the fabulous Myrna Loy is nowhere in sight. Powell is just as polished here as he is in the Thin Man movies (though seeing him perform a chaste autopsy reminds you that he's playing a doctor, not Nick Charles), and he's well paired with Jean Arthur playing the titular ex-wife, who's bucking for a reconciliation with her reluctant former hubby. Her Paula comes across as a slightly smarter Gracie Allen in an endless stream of gorgeous designer gowns, sparkling diamonds, and perky hats. (In fact, if you're paying close attention, you'll notice that she switches costumes at a couple of slightly inexplicable moments.) The couple bickers well (but not at the break-neck pace of Powell and Loy), and there is a little bit of simmering sexual tension (but again, not in the same league as P&L). A typical exchange: Paula: She was wearing a cocktail dress. Bradford: What's a cocktail dress? Paula: (with a kooky smile) Something to spill cocktails on! Bradford: (deadpan) That sounds reasonable.It feels like the writer couldn't quite decide if he wanted to present a relationship-driven comedy or a thrilling drama, and the undeniably talented actors seem equally confused at times. Still, it's ultimately an enjoyable film of its type (though what "type" that exactly is, is open to debate), and if you enjoy golden oldies -- and especially if you're fond of the two leads -- you won't be disappointed.