Product: The Ex-Mrs. Bradford (1936)
Rating: 5.0
Constantly amusing
William Powell and Jean Arthur provided delightful performances as a divorced surgeon (Powell) and mystery writer (Arthur). They got along very well, but the Doctor had not been able to manage living with a woman who involved him in investigating one murder after another. The story starts as she re-enters his life simultaneously suing him for back alimony and declaring that they will re-marry.Of course they are soon in the middle of a murder mystery, and one that has no little danger for Dr. Bradford himself, as he is shot at by a burglar, implicated in a murder, and struck over the head.Murder mysteries in 30s era movies tended to be more intricate and make more sense than they do today. It seems that in the heat of trying to find new twists, current writers often lose all track of common sense when developing their stories. This is one reason I'm so fond of these early movie mysteries. On the other hand, a review of this movie may have been a bad time to make this particular point, as the favored method of murder in the film is impractical and factually flawed. LOLAnother reason is the subtle and witty dialogue, an element present in most mystery movies of the era. William Powell in particular made a career of starring in such vehicles. "The Ex-Mrs. Bradford" is no disappointment in that regard. Intelligent and surprising jokes abound. You never have to wait long for the next smile or chuckle, even as you feel growing concern over the danger posed by the murderer(s). One joke is contained entirely within a note left by Mrs. Bradford for the Doctor. The director patiently gives the text of the note full screen attention for long enough that even slow readers can read it without hurry, and the punch line on page two is worth the wait. :-)If you like good mysteries and intelligent dialogue, you owe it to yourself to give this film a try. It isn't really well known, so it may be one you've overlooked before, and so you're in for a treat.