Nessieldwi Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

Glimmerubro It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

TrueHello Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

Kaelan Mccaffrey Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

SimonJack Some movie buffs like to compare various films of the comedy mystery group that William Powell made. Most reviewers focus on the chemistry between Powell and his female co-star, and on how well the co-star handles her role. The prototype for comparison is the role Myrna Loy played as Nora to Powell's Nick Charles in the Thin Man movies. Of course, it's OK to do that. But, recalling the variety of movies Powell was in and looking at the list of his work in the 1930s, I think Powell and movie makers were experimenting. "The Thin Man" was made in 1934, and the next one of that series didn't come out until "After the Thin Man" in 1936 But in the meantime, Powell starred in some other comedies, a couple musicals and a couple of dramas. One of those was a comedy mystery with another star. In 1935, Powell made "Star of Midnight" with Ginger Rogers. So, was it possible that Powell, and/or some movie moguls were looking for the best match with Powell to continue the Thin Man series? I wonder – especially since "Star" and "The Ex-Mrs. Bradford" both were made by RKO.After these two comedy mysteries at RKO, Powell returned to MGM and picked up with the Myrna Loy match for more Thin Man movies. I enjoy all of those films, and I think there was something special about that pairing. But, it doesn't take anything away from these others films or the co-stars performances with Powell. So, here we have a film with Jean Arthur, who became known for her comedy roles; but, who also was very good in dramatic roles. Arthur had a trademark high-pitched and sometimes squeaky voice that takes some getting used to. But, it only takes one film to do that. Some think she plays a ditsy blonde, but I think she comes across as very sharp, but a little naive and silly at times. And, those are endearing traits for her character, Paula, in this film. Nick's role as an M.D. – Dr. Bradford ("Brad") is part and parcel to the mystery and plot of this film. He and Arthur have very good supporting help from a number of other actors. At the top of the list is Eric Blore who plays Stokes. I don't think anyone has ever played a better butler role than Blore in comedies. While maintaining his proper respectful poise in his speech, Blore is fantastically funny in his facial expressions and mannerisms. This is a fine example of how supporting roles can really add to the quality and enjoyment of movies. Other reviewers discuss the plot, so I'll share some favorite lines form the film. Paula, "Oh good, dinner." Brad, "This is hardly the occasion for a banquet, but, uh … Stokes, lock up the silver." After dinner, Paula, "Brad, I've come to a terrific decision. I'm going to marry you again." Brad, "Paula, that's the thing I like about you. You're so subtle." Paula, "Well, I was only doing it for your sake, so you wouldn't have to pay me the alimony." Brad, "Oh, trying to bribe me, huh?"Brad, "Say, what is this, a frame-up?" Paula, "Well, you know, great minds …" Brad, "No. I don't know any great minds."Dr. Bradford examines jockeys before a race. He tells them to come forward one at a time and give their name. The first one steps up, "Ray Torro." Brad checks his heart, "OK, next." The second jockey says, "Al Torro." Dr. Bradford says, "Brothers?" Al, "No, he's my old man." Dr. Bradford, "Where's your grandfather riding?" Al, "Havana." As Brad finishes and leaves, Paula meets him. Paula, "Did you inoculate him?" Brad," With a little difficulty." Paula, Oh, I thought you used a hypodermic."This is a most entertaining film all through. Watch for the classic scenes where Paula tries to help Brad in a couple of scuffles. You might guess what happens. Very funny, indeed.

dougdoepke A jockey expires under mysterious circumstances, bringing in an urbane doctor and his ditsy ex-wife.Pretty good whodunit. But the real mystery is the reason for this copy cat version of the Thin Man, especially when it's running at the same time as After the Thin Man (1936). Oh well, just one more Hollywood mystery. I suppose the reason has something to do with a change of studios, from MGM to RKO.Whatever the solution, the screwball formula works well. Powell and Arthur are both in fine form, along with a fairly colorful cast of supporting players. Actually, the whodunit part is not really played up in a rather complicated screenplay. As expected, the real emphasis is on the two droll leads as they trade snappy dialog in sophisticated fashion. The results come through in highly engaging style. I guess my only remaining point is whether or not RKO has something against little Scottie dogs.

st-shot With the solid box office pairing of established stars William Powell and Jean Arthur The Ex- Mrs. Bradford fails to meet expectation as it flaccidly plays itself out. Arthur's energy is forced and out of sync with Powell who comes across a touch listless himself.When a jockey falls from his horse and dies his trainer suspects foul play and consults Dr. Lawrence Bradford ( Powell ) to look into it. He's at first hesitant but goaded by his mystery writing ex (Arthur) gets involved.Even without the ghost of Loy's Nora hovering above Arthur's Paula is little more than a glamorous Gracie Allen, Bill an uncomfortable George Burns. Out of step and going in separate directions you find it hard to believe they were attracted to each other in the first place never mind be able to match wits long enough to solve a cross word puzzle.Stephen Roberts direction lacks the spark and energy necessary for screwball comedy mystery and the hybrid never rises above tepid on both ends in a match-up that never seems to jell. It would be a good idea not to engage with The Ex Mrs. Bradford in the first place.

MartinHafer I have always enjoyed Jean Arthur in movies and was surprised how much I didn't like her here. I think part of it is because I watched this William Powell/Jean Arthur flick just after seeing two exceptional William Powell/Myrna Loy films. The chemistry between Powell and Loy is simply better and the other films (not just the THIN MAN ones) were more enjoyable and the characters worked better together. In this case, you wonder why Arthur and Powell EVER got married, as Jean is just too annoying and whiny. Instead of being divorced, I could just as easily seen Powell killing her. This is a mistake, as the dialog is mostly one-way and the banter back and forth isn't as witty or snappy as the Loy/Powell films. It's more like Powell makes a sarcastic comment and Arthur misunderstands it--this gets old really fast.The film itself seems a lot like a THIN MAN plot--a murder mystery that Powell (as a doctor) and Arthur (as a mystery writer) investigate separately. Not a bad film but could have been better. For a better film watch any Powell/Loy film or for a similar but better executed plot, see Errol Flynn's FOOTSTEPS IN THE DARK--another film about a writer turned murder investigator but with better results.