Nine Lives Are Not Enough

On the outs with his editor, reporter Matt Sawyer (Ronald Reagan) could use a big story. He finds one when he stumbles upon the suicide of missing tycoon Edward Abbott. But something about the facts doesn't add up, making Matt suspect that the millionaire was murdered. Joining Matt on his search for the truth is Abbott's lovely daughter, Jane (Joan Perry). Along the way, Matt will have to stay one step ahead of rival reporter "Snappy" Lucas (Charles Drake) -- and the real killer.

Ronald Reagan exudes energy and charm in this lively mystery, intermingled with slapstick, farce and detective work. It's got good production values, the plot is sharp and and the finale is very good.

Ronald Reagan is the newspaper's best combination man -- reporter and cameraman -- but his melodramatic stories have caused one too many libel suits. When Joan Perry's wealthy father is found dead in a boarding house, everyone thinks it's suicide. Except Miss Perry, Reagan, and his two cop buddies, James Gleason and Eddie Brophy.

I didn't expect to enjoy this mystery-comedy; in this period, a lot of Warners comedies were frantic rather than funny. I was surprised at the script by Fred Niblo Jr., ably mixing action, romance, and laughs, at the return to motormouth form of the stock company (not so much Reagan, who started as a radio sports commentator, but Howard Da Silva as Reagan's managing editor) ad moments of real emotion under Eddie Sutherland. It never exceeds programmer status, but it offers a snappy 63 minutes.

This is a B-movie that Ronald Reagan made for Warner Brothers near the beginning of his career. Unlike many of his previous films, here he plays lead and he seemed very adept to this sort of film. Plus it sure helped that he had excellent support in the form of several adept character actors--including Eddie Brophy, James Gleason and Howard de Silva.

Reagan plays a crime reporter who seems to drive his boss crazy. Several times, Reagan's stories turned out to be seriously mistaken and instead of firing him, the editor gives him a dead-end assignment--going out on patrol with a couple idiot cops (Brophy and Gleason). However, instead of punishment, it turns out that there really is a story, as a missing millionaire is unexpectedly found dead in a local rooming house. So, it's up to Reagan and his police friends to uncover the mystery in a film that is highly reminiscent of a Falcon or Saint series film. Despite being a very likable and competent film, the series never clicked and this is the only one of the series.

This is a delightful mystery with a great performance from Ronald Reagan. At a very quickly paced 63 minutes, the action rarely lets up, and the plot has enough turns to keep you guessing. I was suprised at Reagan's excellent timing and charm - in so many films he comes off as stuffy, but not here. Great supporting cast kept everything lively and great fun to watch - highly recommended!

"Nine Lives Are Not Enough" is a light 1941 B mystery starring Ronald Reagan, Joan Perry, James Gleason, Howard da Silva, and Faye Emerson.

Reagan plays a newspaper writer, Matt, who prides himself on getting the big stories, but he's a little too quick on the draw and brings in the wrong info. His latest malfeasance has caused him to be demoted to riding in a patrol car with two officers. As luck would have it, they are called in on a dead body. Turns out it's a millionaire, Edward Abbott, who for some reason was holed up in a boarding house. Was it suicide or murder? Matt is sure it's murder; unfortunately, the inquest decision is suicide. But Matt is not convinced. Out of a job and falling for the victim's daughter (Joan Perry), Matt keeps investigating, and the bodies continue to fall around him.

This was a perfect role for Ronald Reagan, who had a lightweight, charming presence on the screen. He's so good here, handling the rapid-fire dialog and some slapstick with ease. The whole cast is good, and the mystery moves quickly and keeps you interested. I particularly loved James Gleason, a policeman who is saddled with the worst cop ever (Edward Brophy).

Joan Perry became Mrs. Harry Cohn and retired. And we know what happened to Reagan. Years ago, someone mentioned that even if you didn't like his politics, once you met him, he would charm you. The person she was talking to said, "Never," to which the other person replied. "You would. I've seen it happen many times." I believe it.