A movie actor playing a detective gets carried away with his role and starts trying to solve real-life crimes.
Acting
Jack Oakie's motor-mouthed physical comedy is genuinely exhausting.
Production
Meta-Hollywood sets where fake detectives chase real criminals.
Editing
Snappy 30s pacing that wastes absolutely zero seconds.
Director
Benjamin Stoloff
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Ann Sothern's breakthrough role before her MGM contract—she's the reason to watch.
The 'actor becomes detective' trope peaked here; Hollywood loved mocking its own artifice during the Depression.
US
