Most of the humour in comedy crime caper Super-Sleuth revolves around the fact that its central character, movie star Willard Martin (Jack Oakie), is a conceited idiot who wrongly believes that he as clever as the detectives he plays in his films. Unfortunately, a vain dolt doesn't make for a very appealing protagonist.
In addition to the massively irritating Willard, Super-Sleuth suffers from a lack of intrigue, the identity of the 'Poison Pen' murderer who targets the actor revealed early on: it's Professor Herman (Eduardo Ciannelli), the creepy proprieter of a crime museum, who -- let's be honest -- would be the prime suspect anyway. Ann Sothern adds some glamour as Willard's publicity agent Mary Strand, who for some completely incomprehensible reason, is in love with her clueless client.
After lots of not-very-comical nonsense, in which Herman makes several unsuccessful attempts on Willard's life, the film ends on a high with a fun final act in which Willard and Mary apprehend the killer with help from the actor's manservant Warts (Willie Best, doing his usual 'scared and stupid' routine), who activates the professor's automated museum with crazy results.
In addition to the massively irritating Willard, Super-Sleuth suffers from a lack of intrigue, the identity of the 'Poison Pen' murderer who targets the actor revealed early on: it's Professor Herman (Eduardo Ciannelli), the creepy proprieter of a crime museum, who -- let's be honest -- would be the prime suspect anyway. Ann Sothern adds some glamour as Willard's publicity agent Mary Strand, who for some completely incomprehensible reason, is in love with her clueless client.
After lots of not-very-comical nonsense, in which Herman makes several unsuccessful attempts on Willard's life, the film ends on a high with a fun final act in which Willard and Mary apprehend the killer with help from the actor's manservant Warts (Willie Best, doing his usual 'scared and stupid' routine), who activates the professor's automated museum with crazy results.