Ein ausgefuchster Gauner

William Powell is at his peak in this madcap financial comedy. His high-voltage energy eclipses the other actors, although most are more than competent. From the brief synopsis I read, I was expecting more of a screwball comedy, centering on the relationship between Powell and Evelyn Brent. The movie turned out to be more of a hard-hitting satire, focussing on the deep economic troubles of 1932. How funny is it to hear references to "bank presidents committing suicide"? Evelyn Brent seems completely mismatched to Powell. Totally lacking charisma in this movie, she seems more like a depressed, real-life person than the incandescent beauty without whom Powell cannot perform his flimflam miracles. Great movie for Powell fans, but seems a bit too much of a history lesson, overall. Slightly risqué pre-Code touches are entertaining.

William Powell has his latest company to promote when Frank McHugh and George Sidney bring him a man with a process to turn garbage into rubber.... except they can't find the man.

It's based on a Broadway comedy, and Powell gives an air of setting the pace with his stately flow of words and broad gestures, while Warner's large company of contract players, including Frank McHugh, Guy Kibbee.... well, everyone, it seems except Cagney, Arliss, O'Brien, and Joan Blondell show up to take or be taken. It's so chock full of character comedians that leading lady and second-billed Evelyn Brent gets about four minutes of screen time.

The pace lets up in the final twenty minutes, as often happens with comedies; after all, there's a plot to be resolved. However the first half hour is tremendously funny.

William Powell is Gar Evans, a man who knows how to dress for success and how to create a successful company out of promotion and wishfulness. When the promise of a revolutionary new product comes to his attention, he puts all his talents in action and brings all his friends along for the ride.

The problem is that the inventor of the new process has disappeared. While his minions search for the missing Dr. Pfeiffer, Evans corrals investors and builds his company.

Powell is terrific as Gar Evans. He has an infectious energy that drives the film. He is surrounded by a talented cast of supporting actors. Especially notable are George Sidney who plays Colonel Ginsburg, the primary backer of the new enterprise, and Frank McHugh as Mike Donhey, playing his usual persona---the reliable sidekick.

The writing is clever, especially in the first half of the film. Director Mervyn LeRoy keeps things moving and there are plenty of laughs, especially for the viewer with an attentive ear.

William Powell has a great time in this Pre-Code comedy about a promoter who gets involved with an invention that can supposedly turn sewage into rubber. Powell's pretty much the entire movie has he hawks this "too good to be true" product, making many false promises along the way. When it turns out the scientist who invented the product is crazy, Powell appears to be in big trouble.

George Sidney, Guy Kibbee, and Frank McHugh offer good support. Evelyn Brent is not a particularly strong leading lady for Powell but she does okay. It's a talky movie but it moves along at a quick pace with fun dialogue from Powell & company. A great showcase for William Powell's talents.

This a fine little film with a wonderful cast of comic actors. McHugh does his always solid right-hand-man bit and Sidney is a scream as a befuddled patsy pulled into Powell big plans for making millions by manufacturing artificial rubber. Powell shines, as always, as a the salesman of all salesmen. Don't miss this one if you like Powell or even if you don't...watch this and maybe you will...