Seriously,
the actor Sam Levene as Lieutenant Brent steals the show in my opinion. I love the one liners and put downs he has throughout.
I agree. In fact, I thought the whole movie was well-cast for a lighthearted, screwball mystery/comedy!
shareHa ha. That's true. Giving so much screen time and lines to a flat foot in
30s filmland is bit unusual. And mad him a wiseguy (with stomach trouble!)
adds to the fun.
This sleeper film, for its genre that is, has loads of throwaway hidden lines
that really appealed to my Manhattan side.
Like the cop saying in beginning a line that sets the tone referring to hoe a killer could be in Brooklyn by now:
"That's if anybody wants to be in Brooklyn!"
And the maid on phone to operator:
"I don't know any numbers but policy numbers."
Boy that brought back some memories of the Brooklyn and Manhattan numbers when they were the last 3 numbers of the published track attendance for the day.
So 70,555,247 would pay $50 for a $0.50 bet on 247 Aqueduct. Belmont B'klyn.
Final good line was at end when one of Park Ave pack babes says after a gal pal
says killer would have to kill them all if he kills MM.
"There you go with Communism again!"
Something along those lines.
It brought theme full circle from beginning of film - how timely was that part
where Fonda is checking newspaper. He throws out how Wall Street is in the tank and unemployment is rising yet these rich Park Avenue pack can be off on another 'trick the cops' scam.
Thought I was still in 2009! Some things never change.
.
If he doesn't, Hattie McDaniel surely does. They both bring a lot to the picture. In fact, I'd say if this movie didn't have such a great cast it would be a much lesser picture because it does drag on occasion.
shareLevene is excellent but I believe that it's Stanwyck's rock solid performance that gives this movie it's foundation. Hers is the central character and her unique professionism allows for other characters to shine. The only weak character, in my opinion, is Peter Ames (Henry Fonda). I found him manipulative, back-stabbing, weak, but unexplainedly overconfident re: their "relationship". Miss M could have done MUCH better.
I came to Casablanca for the waters.....
I agree with you - Fonda is really bad in this, he hated being forced to do the movie and it shows in his performance. Stanwyck is wonderful as she is always.
Sam Levene in this movie reminds me so much of James Gleason in the Hildegarde Withers movies on the same period. Given those were made by RKO I wonder why they didn't just go with Gleason given he was a much more famous actor. I had no idea Levene was still acting in films as late as 1979 (a year before his death), I don't recall him in many films evidently few of his roles were as good a showcase for him as this film.
yes, I agree that Sam Levene and James Gleason were very much alike...not only in looks but in acting style.
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Jim Hutton: talented gorgeous hot hunk; adorable as ElleryQueen; SEXIEST ACTOR EVER
Levene was great interacting between Fonda in the hospital scene
"I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not".
I would also have to agree with that. Sam is great in his role, but Stanwyck carries the film expertly.
Hattie McDaniel, Penny Singleton, Linda Perry are also great at excited roles, while Frances Mercer, Miles Mander and some of the others are great in their understated roles.
I don't have a problem with Henry's understating his character because it fits into the film well, but I didn't know that he objected to being cast as Peter Ames. He does have a couple of bully actions, but he has the look for the part.