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Wanger And Garnett Cook Up A Cinematic Gem.
Frank Presnell's first of three crime novels, "Send Another Coffin", is the basis for this film, completed the year following publication of the original, featuring flinty Ohio attorney John Webb (Pat O'Brien) with his wife Ann (Ruth Terry), the duo patterned somewhat upon Dashiell Hammett's Nick and Nora Charles, although Webb is less suave than Nick and more eager to stir political pots. A corrupt state politician, Vincent Cushing (Edward Arnold), is the principal target for Webb's reforming urge, and when Cushing's mistress Alma (Claire Dodd), erstwhile flame of Webb, is murdered, nearly all of the major characters seem to have a motive, including Webb, who faces most of the heat from the homicide investigation although he perceives himself to be "slightly honorable" when compared with those about him. The work includes a strong comedic element along with its murder mystery and socially conscious themes. Vivacious Terry, with her patented energy and spirit, steals the film in what she states is her favourite role, a part for which she is promised by producer Walter Wanger and director Tay Garnett that the former night club singer/dancer will be spotlighted in a musical specialty number, and that she is, one that is perfectly woven into the screenplay, this while under personal contract to Howard Hughes who loans her to Wanger for this production. A cardinal pleasure inherent with film reviewing is discovery of works that have not received an amount of recognition that they deserve, and that is the case in this instance, for it is a piece that includes among its attributes sparkling dialogue, skillful acting and, especially, that mastery of narrative pace and rhythm that marks the best efforts from Garnett who here cunningly blends details for his established mise-en-scène within the script, as is his custom. Even without his foremost mannequin, Marlene Dietrich, Travis Banton's gowns are noteworthy and there is a strikingly illustrative score from Werner Janssen. <
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"Don't Try Anything Funny--Remember, I'm Sober"
This fun and snappy little comedy mystery from director Tay Garnett is every film buff's dream come true. It has a great cast, a good script, and best of all, hardly anyone knows about it! Ken Englund's smart sceenplay, based on the novel "Send Another Coffin" by F.G. Presnell, is full of witty one-liners in this breezy surprise every classic movie fan will want to own. <
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>Pat O'Brien is attorney Johnny Webb and Broderick Crawford is his tough but easygoing assistant, Russ Sampson. Webb is trying to earn a huge fee for cleaning up the highway contract corruption that has led to murder. Edward Arnold is Vincent Cushing, the political boss he'll have to take down who also happens to be involved with Alma (Claire Dodd), Webb's ex-girlfriend. <
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>When she gets knocked off on a windy night, both Webb and Cushing are the main suspects. Webb has become involved with the sweet but ditzy young Anne (Ruth Terry) and spends as much time trying not to take advantage of her as he does finding out who killed Alma. Neither is easy and both have some interesting and comical twists and turns. <
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>Eve Arden is a ton of fun as Webb's sarcastic secretary Miss Ater, and B-movie favorite Phyllis Brooks has a fantastic turn as Sarilla Cushing, the gorgeous daughter of Vincent. She just happens to be Webb's alibi when a second murder occurs using the same weapon, which keeps turning up in Webb's office! <
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>There is a surprising and spirited conclusion to the mystery and an equally satisfying one to the love angle, as the delightful Anne finally gets to stick around as Johnny's permanent girl. O'Brien and the rest of the cast are terrific in this delightful little gem that may just be the most entertaining mystery you've never heard of. <
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>Finding films like this one is what classic movie fans live for. This is one that doesn't let you down. Keep in mind it's one of those public domain films so the print is decent if not excellent, but certainly one you need to see. Highly recommended!