This is a fairly good B murder romance along the lines of the Torchy Blaine series (although the Torchy Blaine flicks were a tad more entertaining). It is obvious this early in her career that Jane Wyman is headed for star status which eventually earns her the Oscar for "Johnny Belinda." Dick Foran is actually better in a romantic police lieutenant lead than he was in the saddle. His singing cowboy westerns left much to be desired. And actually Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom handles himself quite well as a comic foil, much better than many of his goofy, stupid counterparts in all those B detective movies of the 30's and early 40's. The story is not bad either and well-suited for its 55 minute time slot. A minute more would have been too long for this type movie, which in many ways is similar to the 30 to 60 minute TV shows of early television. Directors of today should learn that two hours or more is too long for most films. Much of the movie is routine but such talent before the camera makes it entertaining. If you enjoy the genre, then you should be pleased with this entry.
13 Reviews
Slick adventure mystery with detective Wyman ahead of the bunch
csteidler30 July 2012
"The dirty heel," mutters detective Jane Wyman of the Nationwide Detective Agency. She refers to sleazy lawyer Morgan Conway, who is scheming with a client to swipe his own child's inherited fortune.
Soon enough, the client (a first class rat himself) is murdered—but who did it? The lawyer? The ex-wife? The chauffeur? What about the ex-wife's new fiancé?
Jane Wyman is lively and likable in this very entertaining and compact B mystery. Dick Foran co-stars as Wyman's fiancé, a cop working the same murder case. He would very much like for her to hurry up and marry him and "retire" from her job—however, Wyman is always at least a step ahead of him in the investigation, and is clearly the brains of this couple.
Max Rosenbloom is a fellow cop, Foran's partner in crime fighting; part comic relief and part muscle, he breaks down doors and makes encouraging comments. Good old Joseph Crehan is the police captain begging for some results from his detectives. Foran gives it a game effort but boy, is his character boring! To be fair, I suppose it wasn't his fault that the script gave Wyman all the good lines.
Overall, some good action scenes and rapid dialog delivery—along with Wyman's snappy performance—keep this one moving along nicely.
Soon enough, the client (a first class rat himself) is murdered—but who did it? The lawyer? The ex-wife? The chauffeur? What about the ex-wife's new fiancé?
Jane Wyman is lively and likable in this very entertaining and compact B mystery. Dick Foran co-stars as Wyman's fiancé, a cop working the same murder case. He would very much like for her to hurry up and marry him and "retire" from her job—however, Wyman is always at least a step ahead of him in the investigation, and is clearly the brains of this couple.
Max Rosenbloom is a fellow cop, Foran's partner in crime fighting; part comic relief and part muscle, he breaks down doors and makes encouraging comments. Good old Joseph Crehan is the police captain begging for some results from his detectives. Foran gives it a game effort but boy, is his character boring! To be fair, I suppose it wasn't his fault that the script gave Wyman all the good lines.
Overall, some good action scenes and rapid dialog delivery—along with Wyman's snappy performance—keep this one moving along nicely.
Torchy Blane's career change?
gridoon202411 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Jinx Winslow is a lot like Torchy Blane (a character whom Jane Wyman also played, once, the same year!): smart, brave, driven by a strong sense of justice, and frequently competing with the official law enforcers (while being engaged to one of them). But Jinx goes one step further: instead of being the traditional newspaper reporter like Torchy, she is actually a professional private detective - truly a "man's position" in 1939. Jane Wyman plays the part with the confidence of an old pro, even though she was just 22 years old at the time; I particularly loved the scene where she pulls a gun on a guy and tells him "I'm asking the questions"! The mystery itself is rather thin, but the fast pacing and Wyman's great female character (spoiled only by her exit line) keep this film fun to watch. **1/2 out of 4.
Jane on the way up
jjnxn-15 January 2012
1939 is considered the top year for classic films from Hollywood with the release of Gone With the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, The Adventures of Robin Hood and countless others, however while all those masterworks were being created it's good to remember that the studios were still cranking out B programmers to fill the bill and this is as good an example of that as any.
Jane Wyman having worked her way through bits and supporting roles has one of her first leads here as Jinx Winslow, girl detective. She's cute and sprightly and in an interesting contrast she has a few scenes with the ill fated Gloria Dickson, a promising contract player until her sad death a few years later in a house fire at just 28. In their scenes the blush of stardom is all over Jane, not only is she far more animated than Gloria but she registers on screen in a way that Dickson does not and never would. A clear demonstration of star quality, Jane is vibrant whereas Gloria is flat, it doesn't help her though that she's made up in the most overdone and unflattering hair and makeup.
As for the rest of the movie and the cast, the story is nothing that hasn't been done a million times but it moves at a good clip and that blank wall of an actor Dick Foran takes up space like he always does, how he worked so much is a mystery
Jane Wyman having worked her way through bits and supporting roles has one of her first leads here as Jinx Winslow, girl detective. She's cute and sprightly and in an interesting contrast she has a few scenes with the ill fated Gloria Dickson, a promising contract player until her sad death a few years later in a house fire at just 28. In their scenes the blush of stardom is all over Jane, not only is she far more animated than Gloria but she registers on screen in a way that Dickson does not and never would. A clear demonstration of star quality, Jane is vibrant whereas Gloria is flat, it doesn't help her though that she's made up in the most overdone and unflattering hair and makeup.
As for the rest of the movie and the cast, the story is nothing that hasn't been done a million times but it moves at a good clip and that blank wall of an actor Dick Foran takes up space like he always does, how he worked so much is a mystery
Jane in those blond years
blanche-227 July 2019
Jane Wyman stars as an aggressive detective driving her fiance police detective Dick Foran nuts in "Private Detective" from 1939. The film also stars Dick Foran and Maxie Rosenbloom.
The story concerns the murder of a man (John Eldredge) who has won custody of his son after a court fight with his wife (Mona Dickson). She's a suspect, but there are others. The Wyman character is determined to find out whodunit.
Wyman was no less of a good actress when she became a brunette, but the roles she got were different. I absolutely love her as a blond, always have, and she seemed to get feistier roles that were more fun. Just an opinion. She was quite a talent - she could sing, act, and was a fine artist.
Fun, fast film, o the short side but that is perfect for a film of this type.
The story concerns the murder of a man (John Eldredge) who has won custody of his son after a court fight with his wife (Mona Dickson). She's a suspect, but there are others. The Wyman character is determined to find out whodunit.
Wyman was no less of a good actress when she became a brunette, but the roles she got were different. I absolutely love her as a blond, always have, and she seemed to get feistier roles that were more fun. Just an opinion. She was quite a talent - she could sing, act, and was a fine artist.
Fun, fast film, o the short side but that is perfect for a film of this type.
Wyman and Foran Make it a Must See
Michael_Elliott9 January 2012
Private Detective (1939)
*** (out of 4)
Surprisenly effective "B" picture from Warner about private (Jane Wyman) and homicide (Dick Foran) detectives, obviously dating, who are trying to find the killer of a millionaire. The homicide detective thinks it was the man's ex-wife who he was in a custody battle with but the private detective has her own thoughts. PRIVATE DETECTIVE is one of those low-budget films that studios were pumping out back in the day to fill up second bills or to try and push new talent onto film-goers. There's no question that I've seen dozens, if not hundreds, of these mystery movies but this one here is certainly among the most entertaining and it's a real shame that it's not better known. I'd also add that it's a shame Wyman and Foran didn't get to do this as a series because the duo have a terrific chemistry together and when they fight they seem like a real couple. Both stars do a very good job here and they certainly help sell the film. Even though it only runs 56-minutes there's a pretty good story here for them to work with. Wyman is extremely adorable in her part of the private detective who is constantly getting herself into trouble by trying to figure out the truth. Foran is also impressive in his part as the tough guy and he not only has great chemistry with Wyman but also Max Rosenbloom who plays his partner here. All three actors really help sell the film as does supporting players John Ridgely and Morgan Conway as a jerk lawyer. What also helps push the film over the edge is the very strong direction by Noel Smith. He certainly brings quite a bit of style to a film like this and I'd argue that it's the perfect example of a pre-noir. It's not too hard to figure out who the killer is but this doesn't hurt the film because the screenplay offers up several nice twist and turns along the way. Fans of the genre will certainly want to check this one out.
*** (out of 4)
Surprisenly effective "B" picture from Warner about private (Jane Wyman) and homicide (Dick Foran) detectives, obviously dating, who are trying to find the killer of a millionaire. The homicide detective thinks it was the man's ex-wife who he was in a custody battle with but the private detective has her own thoughts. PRIVATE DETECTIVE is one of those low-budget films that studios were pumping out back in the day to fill up second bills or to try and push new talent onto film-goers. There's no question that I've seen dozens, if not hundreds, of these mystery movies but this one here is certainly among the most entertaining and it's a real shame that it's not better known. I'd also add that it's a shame Wyman and Foran didn't get to do this as a series because the duo have a terrific chemistry together and when they fight they seem like a real couple. Both stars do a very good job here and they certainly help sell the film. Even though it only runs 56-minutes there's a pretty good story here for them to work with. Wyman is extremely adorable in her part of the private detective who is constantly getting herself into trouble by trying to figure out the truth. Foran is also impressive in his part as the tough guy and he not only has great chemistry with Wyman but also Max Rosenbloom who plays his partner here. All three actors really help sell the film as does supporting players John Ridgely and Morgan Conway as a jerk lawyer. What also helps push the film over the edge is the very strong direction by Noel Smith. He certainly brings quite a bit of style to a film like this and I'd argue that it's the perfect example of a pre-noir. It's not too hard to figure out who the killer is but this doesn't hurt the film because the screenplay offers up several nice twist and turns along the way. Fans of the genre will certainly want to check this one out.
Fun With Dick And Jane
boblipton26 July 2019
Jane Wyman is a private detective about testify in a custody case. When the wife is suspected of killing her husband, Wyman finds herself working on the case, and tangling with police detective detective Dick Foran, who is also handling the case.
It's a late-1930s Warners B from Bryan Foy's unit, which means it is more distinguished for its short length (it clocks in at fifty-five minutes) and fast talk, rather than much in the way of cinematic excellence. Cinematographer Ted McCord has some fun with shadows from Venetian blinds, but the principal pleasure is Jane Wyman, in her late-1930s persona of blonde hair and wide eyes. Usually she was a delightful ditz in comedy, but here as a hard-nosed gumshoe, she wrangles nicely with Foran as she keeps trying to help him move away from the wrong track he's on.
It's a late-1930s Warners B from Bryan Foy's unit, which means it is more distinguished for its short length (it clocks in at fifty-five minutes) and fast talk, rather than much in the way of cinematic excellence. Cinematographer Ted McCord has some fun with shadows from Venetian blinds, but the principal pleasure is Jane Wyman, in her late-1930s persona of blonde hair and wide eyes. Usually she was a delightful ditz in comedy, but here as a hard-nosed gumshoe, she wrangles nicely with Foran as she keeps trying to help him move away from the wrong track he's on.
Private detective
coltras3513 November 2023
Ex-husband and wife Millard Lannon (Eldredge) and Mona Lannon (Dickson) are fighting for custody of their son Bobby (Blair), with Millard trying to take the son from his wife. When Millard is killed, Mona is suspected, and private detective Myrna Winslow (Wyman) takes the case to prove she's innocent. This is to the chagrin of her police officer boyfriend, Jim Rickey (Foran), who just wants to get married.
Jane Wyman makes an energetic and adorable private detective and her chemistry with Dick Foran, who plays a detective and her boyfriend, is good. It's a fun, engaging, has snappy dialogue and a fast-paced time filler. Some of the humour comes from Forman's sidekick who is probably thickest policeman ever. Some of his replies are plain dumb. The fight scene at the end is quite rambunctious and exciting.
Jane Wyman makes an energetic and adorable private detective and her chemistry with Dick Foran, who plays a detective and her boyfriend, is good. It's a fun, engaging, has snappy dialogue and a fast-paced time filler. Some of the humour comes from Forman's sidekick who is probably thickest policeman ever. Some of his replies are plain dumb. The fight scene at the end is quite rambunctious and exciting.
"I don't want to be a detective anymore."
Jim Tritten25 May 2005
Jane Wyman follows her similar role in Torchy (Blane) Plays with Dynamite with another Noel Smith-directed "B" movie pitting the skills of a female private detective against the might of the police department. Private Detective never quite makes up its mind whether it wants to emphasize the love interest or solving crime. Not that there isn't a plethora of crimes to be solved: we are treated to murder, blackmail, kidnapping and that is just by the bad guys. The cops go in for breaking and entering big time with Max 'Slapsie Maxie' Rosenbloom as Detective Brody breaking down two of four doors attempted. Mike Mazurki does this type role much better. Morgan Conway is also hard to believe in his role as he was equally implausible as Dick Tracy in later movies.
The crime plot revolves around the framing of a "Reno divorcée" (who has a questionable relationship with her so-called fiancée) for the murder of her ex-husband. The murder is not too hard to solve so we would think then that the love interest would be played up instead. It would appear that some of the storyline ended up on the cutting room floor since there are good set ups for scenes that simply do not appear and then are referred to later at least in passing.
The writing clearly has a feminine touch with barbs being thrown at male chauvinism and oblique criticism of the stereotypical role women should play. This part of the storyline at least has continuity. Jane Wyman as Myrna 'Jinx' Winslow tells her boss no to "shhhh" her and then quits as she is fired from the Nation-wide Detective Agency. She keeps the job for at least one more case and after solving the murder tells her boyfriend Detective Lieutenant Jim Rickey (Dick Foran) that "I don't want to be a detective anymore." Not recommended unless you are trying to study how women are portrayed in traditional men's roles or just want to watch Jane Wyman going through the scenes with lots of very different hats and fur coats and even on the ledge of a tall building while wearing high heels.
The crime plot revolves around the framing of a "Reno divorcée" (who has a questionable relationship with her so-called fiancée) for the murder of her ex-husband. The murder is not too hard to solve so we would think then that the love interest would be played up instead. It would appear that some of the storyline ended up on the cutting room floor since there are good set ups for scenes that simply do not appear and then are referred to later at least in passing.
The writing clearly has a feminine touch with barbs being thrown at male chauvinism and oblique criticism of the stereotypical role women should play. This part of the storyline at least has continuity. Jane Wyman as Myrna 'Jinx' Winslow tells her boss no to "shhhh" her and then quits as she is fired from the Nation-wide Detective Agency. She keeps the job for at least one more case and after solving the murder tells her boyfriend Detective Lieutenant Jim Rickey (Dick Foran) that "I don't want to be a detective anymore." Not recommended unless you are trying to study how women are portrayed in traditional men's roles or just want to watch Jane Wyman going through the scenes with lots of very different hats and fur coats and even on the ledge of a tall building while wearing high heels.
Sort of like the 10th Torchy Blane film...and unofficial one.
planktonrules15 December 2019
From 1937 to 1939, Warner Brothers made three Torchy Blane pictures every year. Each featured a smart lady detective, her smart but obviously less competent cop boyfriend and a crime. Sadly, however, the studio never stuck with any one actress--using three different ones. The last Torchy was played by Jane Wyman...and only a few months later the studio made "Private Detective"...which is identical to a Torchy Blane film except the names had been inexplicably changed. Perhaps this is because the studio thought that folks only wanted a Torchy film with Glenda Farrell (after all, she was the first and most prolific of the actresses playing the part) and so they decided to drop the names and begin somewhat anew.
When the story begins, a divorcing husband and wife are fighting in court for custody of their young son. It seems that the father wants the kid only because he's an heir to a fortune! Torchy, I mean Myrna (Wyman), realizes this is the case and she refuses to testify in the case against the mother. However, it's all moot as soon the father is killed....and a custody hearing isn't important any more. But the mother is assumed to be the perpetrator....and the sleazy attorney for the husband has just had himself appointed the kid's guardian! Can Torchy, I mean Myrna, sort all this out and prove to everyone who the killer is and can the boy be returned to his loving mother?
As I said, this one is pretty much a Torchy Blane film...though I must admit that Wyman was far less enjoyable and spunky than Farrell would have been in the role. That old Torchy Blane sarcasm seems missing here...though the story itself isn't too bad...even if it seems very obvious who the real crook is! And, for a quick B-movie it's actually very good.
When the story begins, a divorcing husband and wife are fighting in court for custody of their young son. It seems that the father wants the kid only because he's an heir to a fortune! Torchy, I mean Myrna (Wyman), realizes this is the case and she refuses to testify in the case against the mother. However, it's all moot as soon the father is killed....and a custody hearing isn't important any more. But the mother is assumed to be the perpetrator....and the sleazy attorney for the husband has just had himself appointed the kid's guardian! Can Torchy, I mean Myrna, sort all this out and prove to everyone who the killer is and can the boy be returned to his loving mother?
As I said, this one is pretty much a Torchy Blane film...though I must admit that Wyman was far less enjoyable and spunky than Farrell would have been in the role. That old Torchy Blane sarcasm seems missing here...though the story itself isn't too bad...even if it seems very obvious who the real crook is! And, for a quick B-movie it's actually very good.
Less than an hour, this below average B comedy features Jane Wyman
jacobs-greenwood6 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Directed by Noel Smith, and starring Jane Wyman, this "B" comedy mystery may remind you of TV's Moonlighting series, but only briefly. The laughs are few and far between and the overall credibility of the characters make the solving of the "mystery" inconsequential; it's not like the culprit will surprise anyone either.
It's unfortunate that Wyman's initial characterization of the title character as a strong, intelligent woman is weakened, and indeed sacrificed, by the end of the film. The only remaining highlights worth mentioning are the several recognizable character actors one sees and the story's rapid pace. Plus, at less than an hour, you won't feel as if you've wasted much time if you choose to endure this one.
The story begins with a court case over the custody of a boy who's inherited $20 million from his grandfather. His absent father Millard Lannon (John Eldredge), currently living off his own father's estate, is suing his ex-wife Mona (Gloria Dickson) for custody of Bobby (Henry Blair), with the help of his lawyer Nat Flavin (Morgan Conway). Their strategy has been to sully Mona's reputation with a lot of false accusations and innuendo such that the judge will rule in Millard's favor. Mona shouts out "there all lies" regarding the accusations and her lawyer (Frank Mayo, uncredited) successful gets a continuance for the next day. Mona is then comforted by her fiancé Donald Norton (John Ridgely). It's then that Flavin speaks with 'Jinx' Winslow (Wyman), who'd witnessed Mona's breakdown, to tell her that she'll be the first witness on the stand the next day.
Jinx was so sickened by her client's tactics that she goes straight to her office to speak with her boss Simmy Sanger (Selmer Jackson). She tells him that she wants no part of the trial and quits. Jinx then telephones her boyfriend of 5 years, police lieutenant Jim Rickey (Dick Foran, the "Singing Cowboy") to tell him, now that she's out of a job, she'll marry him if he'll seal the deal tonight! He's all for it, as is his sidekick Detective Brody (Max Rosenbloom) and Captain (Joseph Crehan), who's delighted to finally get private detective Jinx out of their hair. Apparently, Jinx gets herself involved in all the murder cases they get, and her skills make her somewhat of a rival to the police force. Of course, their nuptials are interrupted by circumstances beyond their control.
In the next scene, Millard is at home discussing the custody trial with his lawyer Flavin. They decide to phone the police to tell them that Mona has threatened her husband. Millard has had his chauffeur Chick (Dick Rich, uncredited) take Bobby from school that day. After a disagreement with his servant, Millard wants to fire him but Flavin convinces him that, because of what the chauffeur knows, Millard can't get rid of him until after the trial.
Though Chick was supposed to have left with Bobby, taking him to Flavin's beach house, Chick overhears this conversation between Millard and his lawyer. Mona arrives at the residence to find out if Millard knows what happened to Bobby; Norton is seen exiting his car just outside the same home. She's upset to learn that her ex-husband has her son and flees his home. Millard pursues her and is then seen being shot in the doorway. We don't know whether Mona, Norton, Chick, or even Flavin is responsible, at least initially.
Of course, the police we've already been introduced to, are called to the scene. They instantly conclude that since they'd received the call from Millard about his wife's threats, and that a neighbor (Vera Lewis) had seen a woman running from the home after she'd heard a shot, that Mona must have done it. Jinx arrives on the scene and, unable to enter the premises, overhears the police conversations while she discovers a bullet outside the room where Millard was killed.
Jinx then uses her brains to find Mona before the police, deduce that she is innocent, and help her to hideout while she tries to find the real murderer herself. Her investigation involves Norton, whose valet is played by Willie Best, and then Flavin. But as I've said before, the story deteriorates on several levels. The police are shown to be too one-dimensionally dumb (and not too concerned about breaking the law themselves!), and it seems to be "catching".
For example, Jinx does some rather stupid things herself such that, in the end, she's a helpless female that must be rescued. The writers were too lazy to provide much mystery regarding the guilty party, and they invented a too convenient plot point (a typewritten letter) to wrap things up.
It's unfortunate that Wyman's initial characterization of the title character as a strong, intelligent woman is weakened, and indeed sacrificed, by the end of the film. The only remaining highlights worth mentioning are the several recognizable character actors one sees and the story's rapid pace. Plus, at less than an hour, you won't feel as if you've wasted much time if you choose to endure this one.
The story begins with a court case over the custody of a boy who's inherited $20 million from his grandfather. His absent father Millard Lannon (John Eldredge), currently living off his own father's estate, is suing his ex-wife Mona (Gloria Dickson) for custody of Bobby (Henry Blair), with the help of his lawyer Nat Flavin (Morgan Conway). Their strategy has been to sully Mona's reputation with a lot of false accusations and innuendo such that the judge will rule in Millard's favor. Mona shouts out "there all lies" regarding the accusations and her lawyer (Frank Mayo, uncredited) successful gets a continuance for the next day. Mona is then comforted by her fiancé Donald Norton (John Ridgely). It's then that Flavin speaks with 'Jinx' Winslow (Wyman), who'd witnessed Mona's breakdown, to tell her that she'll be the first witness on the stand the next day.
Jinx was so sickened by her client's tactics that she goes straight to her office to speak with her boss Simmy Sanger (Selmer Jackson). She tells him that she wants no part of the trial and quits. Jinx then telephones her boyfriend of 5 years, police lieutenant Jim Rickey (Dick Foran, the "Singing Cowboy") to tell him, now that she's out of a job, she'll marry him if he'll seal the deal tonight! He's all for it, as is his sidekick Detective Brody (Max Rosenbloom) and Captain (Joseph Crehan), who's delighted to finally get private detective Jinx out of their hair. Apparently, Jinx gets herself involved in all the murder cases they get, and her skills make her somewhat of a rival to the police force. Of course, their nuptials are interrupted by circumstances beyond their control.
In the next scene, Millard is at home discussing the custody trial with his lawyer Flavin. They decide to phone the police to tell them that Mona has threatened her husband. Millard has had his chauffeur Chick (Dick Rich, uncredited) take Bobby from school that day. After a disagreement with his servant, Millard wants to fire him but Flavin convinces him that, because of what the chauffeur knows, Millard can't get rid of him until after the trial.
Though Chick was supposed to have left with Bobby, taking him to Flavin's beach house, Chick overhears this conversation between Millard and his lawyer. Mona arrives at the residence to find out if Millard knows what happened to Bobby; Norton is seen exiting his car just outside the same home. She's upset to learn that her ex-husband has her son and flees his home. Millard pursues her and is then seen being shot in the doorway. We don't know whether Mona, Norton, Chick, or even Flavin is responsible, at least initially.
Of course, the police we've already been introduced to, are called to the scene. They instantly conclude that since they'd received the call from Millard about his wife's threats, and that a neighbor (Vera Lewis) had seen a woman running from the home after she'd heard a shot, that Mona must have done it. Jinx arrives on the scene and, unable to enter the premises, overhears the police conversations while she discovers a bullet outside the room where Millard was killed.
Jinx then uses her brains to find Mona before the police, deduce that she is innocent, and help her to hideout while she tries to find the real murderer herself. Her investigation involves Norton, whose valet is played by Willie Best, and then Flavin. But as I've said before, the story deteriorates on several levels. The police are shown to be too one-dimensionally dumb (and not too concerned about breaking the law themselves!), and it seems to be "catching".
For example, Jinx does some rather stupid things herself such that, in the end, she's a helpless female that must be rescued. The writers were too lazy to provide much mystery regarding the guilty party, and they invented a too convenient plot point (a typewritten letter) to wrap things up.
fine
SnoopyStyle27 July 2019
Millard Lannon and his wife Mona are battling for the custody of their son Bobby who inherited $5 million from his grandfather. Private detective Myrna Winslow (Jane Wyman) refuses to testify for Millard who only wants the money. She quits and proposes marriage to police detective Jim Rickey (Dick Foran). Millard with his lawyer Nat Flavin calls in a fake threat from Mona. Mona comes to see her son Bobby. Millard is shot dead. Mona runs away. With a neighbor as a witness, Mona is immediately the prime suspect. Myrna and Jim investigate from opposite sides.
It's under an hour and it's fine. Jane Wyman plays a good wildcat investigator. Foran is rather forgettable. As a crime story, it's all fairly straight forward. Mona's innocence is never in doubt. It would be more compelling to have Rickey and Winslow team up. That way, they can develop more combative chemistry and take this movie to the next level. In general, it's pretty basic and fine.
It's under an hour and it's fine. Jane Wyman plays a good wildcat investigator. Foran is rather forgettable. As a crime story, it's all fairly straight forward. Mona's innocence is never in doubt. It would be more compelling to have Rickey and Winslow team up. That way, they can develop more combative chemistry and take this movie to the next level. In general, it's pretty basic and fine.
Cross purposes
bkoganbing14 December 2019
From the Warner Brothers B picture unit comes Private Detective and it's Jane
Wyman in the title role. Wyman's current case involves a divorce where Gloria
Dickson is seeking custody of her child Henry Blair from her estranged husband
John Eldredge who is a wastrel. But if Eldredge can get a hold of the monies set
aside for Blair from his grandfather his wastrel lifestyle can go on.
When Eldredge is murdered Dickson looks good for it. But though they work at cross purposes, Wyman and her ex Dick Foran who is a homicide cop solve the murder.
For comic relief we have Maxie Rosenbloom as Foran's sidekick. This film is compared to the Torchy Blane series where Wyman did the last one. There are definite similarities, especially when Rosenbloom is on screen. In the Torchy Blane series, Tom Kennedy played the brain dead detective and Rosenbloom slips nicely into his big feet.
Entertaining as it is Private Detective gives no hint of what Wyman would do later.
When Eldredge is murdered Dickson looks good for it. But though they work at cross purposes, Wyman and her ex Dick Foran who is a homicide cop solve the murder.
For comic relief we have Maxie Rosenbloom as Foran's sidekick. This film is compared to the Torchy Blane series where Wyman did the last one. There are definite similarities, especially when Rosenbloom is on screen. In the Torchy Blane series, Tom Kennedy played the brain dead detective and Rosenbloom slips nicely into his big feet.
Entertaining as it is Private Detective gives no hint of what Wyman would do later.
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