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It's Red's first starring role and he plays it fairly straight only sometimes mugging it up in ways that would become his comedic trademark. It's an excellent supporting cast, especially the unsung Don Costello as the henchman with a bad case of nerves and unsteady loyalties. And whose inspired idea was it to walk the thuggish-looking Hilda (Mariska Aldrich) through several scenes, allowing Red to get off some choice one-liners, ("Didn't I see you on 'Wrestling' last week."). Still, I'm curious why there're two leading ladies instead of one. Grey's character "Fran" seems unnecessary to the comedy set-ups and the storyline, so perhaps there's an inside story on this odd bit of doubling-up.

In my little book, the movie's only fitfully funny, mainly because the two comedy set-ups (the secret room and the radio trick) go on too long and lack the intensity of Red's better comedies. As other reviewers point out, the best parts are the many choice throwaway lines that sometimes fly fast and furious, so keep your ear cocked. All in all, this first of the "Whistling" series is not the best, but it does present a chance to catch one show-biz's brightest comedy acts developing his way up the Hollywood ladder.

This film was the second done by Vincent Minelli in his movie directing career. Like the first one I DOOD IT he was directing Red Skelton. The two films were assigned to Minelli as a test of his abilities, and he did so well that he was never assigned to B-Features again. Skelton was shown to good advantage (in most of his comedies Skelton usually gave good performances) as a radio personality, "THE FOX" who knows all you need to know about crime to solve cases. He is kidnapped with his girl friend by Conrad Veidt's gang. Veidt is a cult leader, who learns he is a prospective heir to one of his rich followers, provided her direct heir (Lloyd Corrigan)predeceases her. Veidt needs a perfect crime, and "The Fox" is just the man to give it to him.

It is a wonderful comedy. Besides Skelton's comic abilities, Veidt too shows a funny side rarely apparent in his dramatic (and villainous) roles - imagine Major Strasser telling Capt. Reynaud an off-colored joke in CASABLANCA. At the start of the film, having just given his stooge followers his typical guru speech on control and peace and love, Veidt learns about the existance of Corrigan as a threat to his plans for wealth. He starts acting like another notable German of the 1940s, screaming and ranting, and yelling at his followers how can he teach the world of love and peace when this impediment is in his way! Later, when part of the live audience listening to Skelton's "Fox" radio program, he learns that the villain in the program was an imposter that Skelton recognized, because he was wearing a turban the wrong way (it was tied on the left instead of the right, or something like that). A surprised Veidt (who could very well wear a turban among his followers) tells his side-kick, "I didn't know that!" as though anyone is interested.

The lines go fast and furious in this film, up to a surprise at the end of the film from Corrigan, that actually makes much of the frantic antics of the forced "perfect crime" plot seem hopeless from the start. Definitely worthwhile if you want some good laughs.

Remake of 1933 movie is the first in a series of three movies. Wally "The Fox" Benton (Red Skelton) is the star of a popular radio mystery program who is kidnapped by criminals. They plan to kill somebody and want Wally to plan the perfect murder. As added incentive for him to do as they want, they also kidnap Wally's fiancée (Ann Rutherford) and another girl who likes him (Virginia Grey).

Fast-paced enjoyable Red Skelton comedy hits on all cylinders. Great direction, great script, superb cast. Skelton is wonderful in his first starring role. Ann Rutherford is absolutely adorable as his fiancée. Something about her I've always loved since I first saw her in the Andy Hardy films. Virginia Grey is the other girl who wants Red and she's fiery and spunky and lots of fun as well. The way the three of them team up to handle the bad guys is terrific. Conrad Veidt is excellent as the heavy, as are all of his henchman. There's more support from the likes of the great Eve Arden, Lloyd Corrigan, and Henry O'Neill. It's really a first-rate cast in a very fun and funny movie.

The operators of 'Silver Haven', a cultish group bilking gullible rich people out of money, is set to inherit a large sum after the deceased woman's heir also dies. Leader Joesph Jones decides to hurry the process along and kidnaps Wally Benton, his fiancé, and a friend, to further this goal. Wally, 'The Fox', is a radio sleuth who solves murders on the air. Jones wants him to devise a perfect murder, and isn't above killing others sloppily along the way to get his foolproof murder plot.

I am more familiar of Red Skelton of the 50's, where he's older, but here he's very young and quite funny in his wisecracks. Supporting him are Ann Rutherford and Virginia Grey who match him in the wit department- this is fun lighthearted fare that has a touch of sinister air, thanks to Conrad Veidt as a cult leader. He plays it straight, oozing refinement and menace. The story idea is quite well realised and the production is top notch.

While many pass this off as a B movie it is, indeed, a first class comedy that is well-written and acted. Red Skelton is great as Wally Benton better known to radio fans as The Fox. Ann Rutherford is perfect as Wally's fiance Carol Lambert. Conrad Veidt leads a very well cast gang of criminals. I read one account of this movie which states that Vincente Minelli directed this film, not unless he changed his name to S. Sylvan Simon, who directed all three of the Fox movies. This is a very entertaining film made when imagination was encouraged. So get over your black and white prejudice if you have one, sit back and enjoy a truly great comedy. This was also Red's first starring role. Take note during the climax of the reference to Orson Welles' War Of the Worlds broadcast.