The Mad Miss Manton

Barbara Stanwyck in another "I saw the body until it disappeared" kind of farce, giving the audience a good time as she tangles with unbelieving police inspector (Sam Levene) and a newspaper reporter looking for a good story (Henry Fonda).

The supporting cast includes Hattie McDaniel and Penny Singleton but it's Stanwyck's performance that makes this one shine. Henry Fonda plays another variation on his mild-mannered dunce but it's Stanwyck who keeps the dialogue snappy and the events somewhat believable.

It's a wacky blend of comedy and mystery with a denouement that is less than satisfying as none of the supporting characters are more than cardboard stereotypes. Passes the time pleasantly enough, but don't expect anything great.

Stanwyck gets the glamour treatment and looks her best in the madcap title role.

This is a delightful comedy/mystery, very much of its time, starring Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda. Stanwyck does a great job as a madcap socialite (though the title would have you think she's a crazy bag lady) who gets involved in a murder and with reporter Fonda. Miss Manton has a mouthy maid played by Hattie McDaniel (listed as McDaniels in the credits) and many girlfriends, all of whom are at her beck and call.

Stanwyck's gift for comedy is apparent, and Manton was a perfect character for her - sophisticated, clever, and vulnerable. Fonda is very juvenile and ardent. They make a great pair.

My favorite aspect of this movie is the manner in which this gaggle of giggly débutantes present themselves. They wear sparkling, full-length evening gowns and fabulous furs, and sport impeccable manicures, while sleuthing about in the dark. You go girls! It was also interesting to observe Penny Singleton, aka the infamous Blondie, with extremely dark hair, reciting a couple of lines. Barbara Stanwyck is, as always, seamlessly gorgeous, and she takes on a tireless leadership role while constantly flirting with a young and handsome Henry Fonda. Everything from the beautiful, sleek and shiny cars to the stunningly brilliant fashion displays make this a great choice for old movie fanatics.

Several factors need to be in place for you to enjoy The Mad Miss Manton. First, it helps to like Barbara Stanwyck. I love her! Second, it helps to like Henry Fonda. He's great! Third, it helps to like Hattie Mc Daniel. Not only do I, but she's quite hilarious! Next, Miss Manton (Stanwyck) is constantly surrounded by her group of elitist girlfriends. If it had just been Miss Manton, then it would have been mighty scary vs. mysterious. Miss Manton's flighty friends in their 40's gowns with their big 40's furs and their typical 40's hairstyles keep this film light and fluffy. Fluffy due to their big fluffy furs:) Also, it helps to enjoy screwball comedies. This one is screwball to the max. It's not a perfect screwball. It's not award worthy. It is a fun film with a great cast. It's also fun to mix some mystery into the mix. Finally, it's just pure entertainment. It may be a bit dated now, and many great films have come after it. However, if you put yourself back in time, you might imagine the abundance of entertainment you'd get from a dime or a quarter at the movies. Sometimes perspective helps make a movie better. I doubt anyone making it at the time thought people would still be watching it in the next century. With those factors in mind, I appreciate the entertainment value from this obscure comedy with a delightful cast.

I sI saw this on TV when I was young and, though it was trumpeted as hilarious, I didn't like it. Now, I have seen 30 or more movies of around the same period that combine romance, comedy, and mystery. And I have grown to appreciate Barbara Stanwyck as one of the great stars in Hollywood's history. So: I really enjoyed it a lot.

Stanwyck, as the title character, is mad only in the sense of madcap. Probably it is a matter of alliteration more than anything else. Henry Fonda is fun as the newspaper man who hates and then falls for her.

A few years later, they were to be teamed again in Preston Sturges's great "The Lady Eve."

The subway is a good gimmick, and all the minor players are fun. Miss Manton, or as we'd say today Ms. Manton, has a whole crew of gal-pals, who scream and giggle and make the whole affair very lively indeed.