Il fantino di Kent

William Powell is a doctor dealing with a murder and an ex-wife in "The Ex-Mrs. Bradford," also starring Jean Arthur, Eric Blore, and James Gleason.

It seems that Powell had chemistry going with just about any woman with whom he was teamed. Though he and Myrna Loy were the perfect screen couple, the actor made a couple of other "Thin Man" type movies, one with Ginger Rogers and this one with Arthur, both to very good effect.

Somehow one never gets tired of seeing Powell as a witty, debonair professional and "The Ex-Mrs. Bradford" is no exception. The ex-Mrs. B has Mr. B served with a subpoena for back alimony and then moves back in to help him solve a mystery that she's dragged him into. And this isn't the first time she's done that!

It almost seems as though there was a "Bradford" film before this one or that this was intended to be the first of a series of films - Mr. B complains that his mystery-writer ex is constantly bringing him into cases.

This time, a jockey riding the favorite horse in a raise mysteriously falls off the horse and dies right before the finish line.

The solution of the case is kind of outlandish but it's beside the point. The point is the banter between the couple and the interference of the ex-Mrs. B. Jean Arthur is quite glamorous in her role and very funny.

However, with an actress who comes off as brainy as Arthur does, the humor seems intentional rather than featherbrained.

I suspect the writer had something else in mind - say, the wacky side of Carole Lombard. When Arthur hears that the police have arrived, she says, "Ah, it's probably about my alimony. I've been waiting for the police to take a hand in it," it's more of a rib to Powell rather than a serious statement. It still works well, and it shows how a good actress can make a part her own.

Definitely worth watching, as William Powell and Jean Arthur always were.

I've seen the Thin Man series -- Powell and Loy are definitely great, but there is something awfully sweet about Powell and Arthur's chemistry in this flick. Jean Arthur SHINES when she looks at Powell. There is an unmistakable undercurrent buzzing between them. This film may not have the wit of the Thin Man series, but undeniably makes up for it in charm. While I watched it, I thought for sure Powell was carrying on an off-screen affair with Arthur. My friends thought the same. This is one film where I wish I could step back in time (to schmooze and lock lips with Powell!) There seems to be no end to his lovable playful smirks! Powell's character, Lawrence Bradford, is probably the closest thing to the "perfect man." Okay, this is sounding way too gushy, but I can't help myself.

A reasonably entertaining combination of comedy and mystery, done in much the same fashion as 'The Thin Man', and even starring the same star, William Powell is as good as one would expect, however Jean Arthur does not work quite as well with him as Myrna Loy does, and she is even a tad annoying to have on screen at times. The script is well written with some good lines and an interesting plot, and the film relatively engaging on the whole. By all means it is inferior to 'The Thin Man', but yet it manages to do quite a good job with similar material, and other than Powell's character, the elements borrowed from 'The Thin Man' are fairly disguised. It is a good film in itself either way.

The comic banter between William Powell and Jean Arthur is the highlight of this murder mystery, which has one of the most bizarre and unlikely plots ever. Powell is probably the most suave detective of the 30's, and Arthur has a unique voice which often sounds like a succession of tiny tinkly bells. They are extremely fun to watch, so take the brashness of the plot with a grain of salt and just enjoy seeing it unfold. Eric Blore also has some comic turns as Powell's butler.

Powell's contract with MGM included a clause which allowed him to reject being loaned out to another studio, but he wanted to work again with Arthur and he liked the script, so he eagerly accepted the assignment. They had worked together in two 1929 Paramount films, The Canary Murder Case and The Greene Murder Case, both in the Philo Vance series.

There were quite a few reasons for wanting to see 'The Ex-Mrs Bradford'. Am a fan of classic film. Love it when mystery and comedy go together and the two have gelled well many films in film. William Powell was one of the best when it came to witty and debonair male characters and Jean Arthur was always a charming watch. It was interesting to see how Powell would fare in a 'The Thin Man'-like film with somebody other than Myrna Loy (a legendary partnership).

Actually thought that Powell fared very well with a female partner other than Loy, in a part that Loy would have filled with effortless ease. Both Powell and Arthur register very well and they are the two main reasons to watch 'The Ex-Mrs Bradford'. Comparisons to the 'Thin Man' series are inevitable, but 'The Ex-Mrs Bradford' really does deserve to stand on its own and be judged separately. While it is not a great film, it to me was enjoyable and worth watching as long as one doesn't expect too much.

By all means, 'The Ex-Mrs Bradford' has its flaws. The film loses its way somewhat later on, where events get improbable and too reliant on coincidence. The identity and motive of the responsible were not hard to figure out.

Stephen Roberts' direction is somewhat too workmanlike at best and is not very distinct.

It is though to the cast's credit that 'The Ex-Mrs Bradford' actually just about works. Powell is debonair, suave, sophisticated and witty, while Arthur is charming, looks amazing and has the right lightness of touch for her role. Powell and Arthur's chemistry may not sparkle as much as Powell with Loy, but they look very natural together and like they were having fun. They are well supported by the rest of the cast. James Gleason is a standout and even more so Eric Blore giving his all in a type of role he played better than most at that time.

Visually, 'The Ex-Mrs Bradford' looks great. Especially standing out is the way Arthur is photographed. The story on the whole goes at a fast, lively pace and doesn't outstay or feel too thin for its short running time. The script has enough wit and smartness to satisfy.

Concluding, enjoyable if not mind-blowing. 7/10