I loved it
Love this film. It's lighter than air as well as fun.
Marian Carstairs (Lynn Bari) is the author of 28 mystery books featuring a detective, Bill Smith. Marion is a widow with thee children, played by Peggy Ann Garner, Connie Marshall, and Dean Stockwell.
Naturally there is nothing they don't know about murder, detective work, and police terminology. Also, since their mom writes about a detective solving murders the police cannot, they neither like nor trust the police.
When a neighborhood shooting occurs, the kids hear the shots and make note of the time. A police detective (Randolph Scott) actually named Bill Smith and his partner (James Gleason) question them, but they don't give the real time, thus clearing one of the suspects (Sheppard Strudwick).
Why? Well, the kids want their mom to have the publicity for solving the murder. They also hide the main suspect.
While they're at it they write anonymous notes to the police after they find evidence.
I found this movie highly entertaining, but this review is a valentine to Dean Stockwell. He is funny and adorable. I have always loved him, but when you realize the wonderful transition he made to teen roles, leading man roles, and finally character roles, you appreciate him even more.
I'll leave you with his favorite word in the film: "Phenobarbital!"
Marian Carstairs (Lynn Bari) is the author of 28 mystery books featuring a detective, Bill Smith. Marion is a widow with thee children, played by Peggy Ann Garner, Connie Marshall, and Dean Stockwell.
Naturally there is nothing they don't know about murder, detective work, and police terminology. Also, since their mom writes about a detective solving murders the police cannot, they neither like nor trust the police.
When a neighborhood shooting occurs, the kids hear the shots and make note of the time. A police detective (Randolph Scott) actually named Bill Smith and his partner (James Gleason) question them, but they don't give the real time, thus clearing one of the suspects (Sheppard Strudwick).
Why? Well, the kids want their mom to have the publicity for solving the murder. They also hide the main suspect.
While they're at it they write anonymous notes to the police after they find evidence.
I found this movie highly entertaining, but this review is a valentine to Dean Stockwell. He is funny and adorable. I have always loved him, but when you realize the wonderful transition he made to teen roles, leading man roles, and finally character roles, you appreciate him even more.
I'll leave you with his favorite word in the film: "Phenobarbital!"
- blanche-2
- Oct 21, 2024