A Slight Case of Murder
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Movie Reviews of A Slight Case of Murder
Movie Review: Hilarious send up of gangster genre
Summary: 5 Stars
"A Slight Case of Murder" represented a welcome change of pace in 1938 for Edward G Robinson whereby he was able to send up his gangster image. Robinson plays Remy Marcos, a bootlegger during prohibition who goes straight with its repeal and into the legitimate brewery business. The only problem is that his beer tastes lousy and business is bad now that the suckers are not forced to buy his product through strong arm tactics.
The film was written by Damon Runyon, among others, and it reflects this with the slang and wealth of "small" characters which fill the film. The premise of the crook trying to go straight is a brilliant base for the hilarious comedy which follows, including Remy's wife Ruth Donnelly, flicking between highbrow talk and slang as she goes up market and superb support from Allen Jenkins, Ed Brophy and others as thugs who have to toe the line. Even one of the Dead End Kids appears as the child from the Orphanage Remy grew up in and chosen to spend a month in Remy's house. The scene at the orphanage with Margaret Hamilton, "Ain't changed a bit, as slick as a horse hair couch" says Remy to her, is as funny as anything in any film of the thirties. Also, the scene when the boys discuss the disposal of 4 dead bodies is side splitting. As the plot progresses, the jokes pile up, one after another, never letting up right to the superb finish.
The DVD print is excellent and there is the usual generous list of extras which Warner Brothers offer on their DVDs. The documentary commentary is more interesting than the hesitant and repetitive drone of the verbal commentary which can be played with the film. A pity too, because the commentator has some worthwhile observations to make and places the film squarely in its context of the 1938 Warner Brother's production line.
If the DVD is purchased as part of the Warner's Tough Guys Collection of which it is the forgotten gem, it is great value.
Movie Review: A Great Find
Summary: 5 Stars
When Prohibition legalized consumption of alcohol, Remy Marcos (played by Edward G. Robinson) owner of Velvet Beer, decides to go straight. Herein lies the fun! He gives a pep talk to his gangster underlings, and sets the tone for the film. The Brewery is going to change its tactics; they are going to quit be strong arms, become salesmen and go legit. This is so funny, given today's sales marketing ploys and media manipulation, excuse me...'spin'.
The second really funny thing happens when Remy Marcos' legit business is going down the tubes. He decides to try his beer, which he quickly finds out...is horrible. He undertakes immediate dramatic action, action which leads to the money he needs to turn his business around.
This decisive action leads to the third and greatest reason to watch this DVD...the actors. Edward G. Robinson is really just great. Ruth Donnelly plays Remy's wife, and brings decades of film appearances to A Slight Case of Murder. She goes back and forth between talking like a gangster's doll and a high class dame and really pulls it off. Child actor, Bobby Jordan plays Douglas Fairbanks Rosenbloom, a cigar smoking, beer chugging, pickpocketing mug about 13 years of age. This kid has an excellent screen presence. Margaret Hamilton plays Mrs. Cagle whom you may remember as the Wicked Witch of the West! The list goes on.
A Slight Case of Murder brings good humor, excellent direction and screenwriting, and great acting to DVD viewing.
Movie Review: This comedy was way before its time.
Summary: 5 Stars
Even if you are not an Edward G. Robinson fan, you will appreciate his character and the outstanding troop around him. The comedy is wise-guy and quick. Too quick, I believe for audiences when it first came out. It takes two or 3 viewings to catch the bountiful one-liners and dark humor. I first saw the movie on WGN 15 years ago, and have been looking for it ever since. I could not wait to share it with my family when it came out on DVD. The comedy is drawn from the prohibition period and murder, so I would recommend a pre-movie talk with young viewers to give them some context of the 20s and 30s. Other than that, it is pretty tame compared to "G" and "PG" rated stuff out there today. Have fun with this great old movie.Movie Review: A Slight Case of Murder
Summary: 5 Stars
Cheekily spoofing his "Little Caesar" image, Robinson owns and relishes the role of Remy Marco in this Warners send-up of its own successful, '30s-era gangster dramas. Adding to the fun is a large cast of bit players and interlaced plotlines involving a bank heist, a cigar-smoking orphan brat (Bobby Jordan), a stuffy, disapproving future father-in-law (Paul Harvey), and the bumbling trio of cop-hating mugs who take orders (most of the time) from Mr. Marco. "Murder" is a witty, uproarious parody that will put a permanent smile on most any mug.Movie Review: Glorious Grey!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a wonderful movie to visit for those who enjoy Damon Runyan's assault on the King's English, and simple situational comedy.
Also, the image quality is terrific, far beter than I expected. Glorious grey! The picture came out in 1938, eleven years after the Jazz Singer, perhaps six years after Hollywood really bagan to master incorporating sound into a movie and still have it be a "movie" as well as a talkie -- but you'd never know it, innovations were assimilated back then at lightening speed.
Enjoy!
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