monescu4

I find it amusing that the one other review of this film to date makes a point of referring to it as "no fair." I'll admit the film is not rich in clueing by the standards of Golden Age detective fiction- as with many a Murder, She Wrote episode, the detective is put on to the culprit's trail by the latter revealing knowledge he or she could not have known if innocent- but it's certainly better in its clueing than 90% of whodunit films of its era.

It's an extremely faithful adaptation of Rufus King's The Case of the Constant God, and in my opinion one of the best detective films of the 1930's. Henry C. Gordon is excellent as Lieutenant Valcour (did he have many other leading roles? It's a surprise not to see him as a heavy). And the usually sedate and gentlemanly Ralph Forbes gives an absolutely electric performance as the terrified matinee idol.

I used to listen to the show "Car Talk" on NPR. I have no knowledge about all things automotive, and little to no interest, but I always enjoyed listening because of the intelligence and joyful enthusiasm of the hosts. I hope these guys will take my comparison in the spirit it is offered (but what if they don't? A fine thing THAT would be!). I happen to love and be fairly knowledgeable about the Marx Brothers, but even if I weren't, I suspect I'd greatly enjoy this podcast because of its wit and fun. Add to that a truly fascinating subject truly worthy of such attention (IMO), and you've got a winner all the way around.

I was in this thing and so I've some warm affection for it but- an average rating of 8.2 (as of 7/20/19)? I mean, it has some cheesy appeal, but really!!! I'm giving it 5, and I fear that's a bit generous.