Ava-Grace Willis
Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.
Zandra
The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.
Logan
By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
Richard Claiborne
Here's the story of the entertainment industry; if something works then copy it. What was working back in the 30's was The Thin Man, the very popular series with William Powell and Myrna Loy. So, every other studio including the poverty row ones cranked out clones featuring husband and wife teams solving mysteries. The best of these, in my opinion were the three films featuring book seller and part-time detective Joel Sloane and his wife Garda. Each of the three films featured a different set of actors playing the Sloanes. The first film, "Fast Company" starred Melvyn Douglas and Florence Rice followed by this film with Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell. The last of the films, "Fast and Furious" had Franchot Tone and Ann Sothern. I like all three films, but this one is my favorite probably because I really like Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell, but also because the supporting cast was also good displaying the talents of Reginald Owen and Sidney Blackmer. It's also a good story and nice mystery with some great comic relief. The chemistry between Montgomery and Russell seemed genuine to me and unlike one other reviewer I thought Mongomery transitioned well between the comedy and action elements of the story. Any comparison between this film and the disappointing Lord Peter Wimsey story "Haunted Honeymoon" is way off base. Again, I like all three of the films and would recommend them to anyone who enjoys the mystery films from this era. I've watched this one many times and continue to find it funny and entertaining with each viewing. This may not match the best of the Thin Man movies, but it's far better than a couple of the weaker entries.
whpratt1
Enjoyed this gem of an old film from the past with Robert Montgomery,(Joel Sloane) who deals with rare books and his business is rather slow and he is in need of trying to sell some of his rare books. Joel is married to his wife, Garda Sloane, (Rosalind Russell) and has to sleep in separate beds because of the Moral Code established in the 1930's. Joel finds a client who is interested in obtaining a very valuable manuscript of Shakespeare and needs Joel's assistance in this matter. This film then proceeds to become a mystery with Joel becoming a detective something like the "Thin Man Films" with William Powell and Myra Loy.
movingpicturegal
Comedy/murder-mystery with a plot that's a bit rambling, but the action is considerably boosted up by the smart, snappy patter and chemistry between the two leads, Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell. They play a husband/wife duo who own a rare book business, sleep in twin beds, and soon get themselves mixed up with a house full of murder, intrigue, and the constant back and forth of characters appearing in satin robes or satin gowns as our couple plays detective to try and find out who is behind the mystery of a forged Shakespeare manuscript.This film is fun, though the plot is sort of hard to follow, and there are too many boring side characters that don't really add anything to the mix. But - Rosalind Russell is smart and funny, as usual, and gets to appear in lots of gorgeous dresses and gowns, as usual. Robert Montgomery, well, is just so darn charming and attractive, how can he miss (okay, I admit I have a crush - I'm afraid my feelings about this film may have been altered based on the fact I'm still swooning over him). Mediocre story, but nicely played by the two leads who really seemed like a married couple to me (I thought it was cute when she tied a little ribbon into a bow around a strand of his thinning hair).
hernanjp
I love the films with Robert Montgomery. There was no one better at light comedy roles. And Roz was no slouch either. That's why this picture was so disappointing.This picture is about two murders and 40 minutes too long. Don't try to keep up with who killed whom and why-you'll get a headache! Normally with a 30's whodunit you wouldn't expect to keep up with the plot twists. But here they just bog down the lifeless story more. It's dull and formulaic. Only the charm, wit and affection of the stars make this watchable at all.But still, I'm not sorry I saw It-because as a film "buff," I wouldn't have believed otherwise that Montgomery and Roz had made such a stinker!
