Detectives por fuerza

The movie is based on the book of the same name by Craig Rice, who was a popular mystery writer in her time. This movie is a pretty faithful adaption of the book and is somewhat autobiographical. Marian Carstairs (played by the underrated Lynn Bari) is a widow who writes mystery books featuring Detective Bill Smith as the protagonist. Her three children (Dinah, the eldest, April, and Archie, the youngest who is bossed around by his sisters and rightly resents it). Even so, the banter between the youngsters and their obvious fondness for each other and their mother is refreshing. When a murder happens in their neighborhood, the siblings decide they need to solve it and make sure their mother gets the credit for doing so and in that way she will get a lot of publicity for her books. Leading the murder investigation is a detective coincidentally named "Bill Smith," nicely played by Randolph Scott. Smith's partner, Sgt. O'Hare (played by the always excellent James Gleason) is continually frustrated by the youngsters' antics. In their effort to solve the mystery for their mother and to protect the husband of the victim from being accused of the murder, the children come up with the harebrained and potentially dangerous idea of giving the police untrue information. They also come up with the idea that Lt. Smith would be a good beau for their mother. This really isn't much of a mystery as it's easy to figure out who the murderer is but it is a delightful and highly entertaining movie. The siblings, played by Peggy Ann Garner, Connie Marshall, and Dean Stockwell work wonderfully well together and are a highlight of this movie. This movie has one of the best introductory credits I've ever seen. A group is singing a sedate "Home Sweet Home." The rendition is interrupted by screaming and other murderous sounds. It's hilarious. For those interested in Craig Rice, Jeffrey Marks has written an excellent biography of her entitled "Who was that lady? Craig Rice: queen of the screwball comedy."

Very enjoyable, a number of subtle visual jokes (note the turtle that Dean Stockwell has in one scene). Wish it was on videotape.

James Gleason goes on about how he knows how to handle kids because he has six, but it's clear he doesn't, and as a result Lynn Bari's kids solve the mystery where the police can't.

Book also good, even harder to find.

I'm amazed that I am not alone. Enjoyed reading everyone's comments. Seems like we have similar memories of Million Dollar Movie. I, too, would love to see this "classic" on DVD or videotape. Wonder how that could happen. It would be a real crowd-pleaser. Still waiting to find it out there.

One of my Treasures. I was lucky enough to get a beautiful VHS off TV many years ago. I even got the "photoplay edition" of the book and had the dust-jacket photo copied to use as a cover for the tape. Also have a lobby card. The cast was exraordinary (I still have a crush on Connie Marshall) and I've become a huge Lynn Bari fan...I, too, keep hoping 20th Century Fox will put out a DVD...

I've seen this film a few times but it's been years and I'd kill to find a copy of it. It's tremendously charming. The kids are terrific -- led by the wonderful Peggy Ann Garner. A really enjoyable 'B' pic that is not available on video. If it turns up at all it's on the Late Late Show. Stay up for this one. You'll be glad you did.