Pluskylang Great Film overall

Ketrivie It isn't all that great, actually. Really cheesy and very predicable of how certain scenes are gonna turn play out. However, I guess that's the charm of it all, because I would consider this one of my guilty pleasures.

Hayden Kane There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Loui Blair It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

utgard14 Very funny send-up of film noir private eye movies. Bob Hope plays a baby photographer on death row for a murder he didn't commit. As he awaits his execution, he recounts how he got there by getting mixed up in a conspiracy involving a beautiful woman (Dorothy Lamour). One of Hope's best movies. Lots of funny lines. Features a terrific supporting cast, including Peter Lorre and Lon Chaney, Jr. There are some funny cameos from Alan Ladd and Bing Crosby. This one's in the public domain now so anybody can see it online for free. But that also means most copies are pretty lousy, quality-wise. It's worth the effort to try and find a decent copy.

moonspinner55 Bob Hope in one of his better comedies of the 1940s, a clever satire of noir mysteries (Raymond Chandler, in particular) which substitutes hard-boiled for soft-boiled without losing the essence of a good crime story. A baby-photographer in San Francisco is found in the neighboring offices of a vacationing private detective by a femme fatale, who unwittingly hires the would-be gumshoe to help find her missing uncle. Edmund Beloin and Jack Rose penned the dandy original screenplay, neatly skirting the spoofy/silly undercurrent which marred many of Hope's starring vehicles of the era. Dorothy Lamour (with the wonderful character name Carlotta Montay) is the supposedly schizophrenic and paranoid client; Peter Lorre is her evil valet; and nobody cracks walnuts like muscle-stooge Lon Chaney. Fresh and witty, with a surprising hint of sex appeal, a solid production, and two terrific star-cameos as a bonus. *** from ****

wes-connors Baby photographer Bob Hope (as Ronnie Jackson) is on death row, for a murder he didn't commit. While preparing for his stint in the (laughing) gas chamber, Mr. Hope tells his story, in flashback… Hope isn't happy taking baby pictures. His real desire is to become a successful a private detective, like "Sam Spade" or "Philip Marlowe". To wit, Hope is hired by beautiful Baroness Dorothy Lamour (as Carlotta Montay), to solve the mystery of her missing husband/uncle… Medium done Hope is better than most, not as good as some. The material is a bit lame, but Hope handles it expertly. Peter Lorre (as Kismet) and Lon Chaney Jr. (as Willie) lead a fine supporting cast. The frequent co-starred Ms. Lamour is a perfectly subtle spoof counterpoint to Hope's wisecracking coward. Alan Ladd and Bing Crosby bookend the film with two highly entertaining "cameo" appearances. The stuffing in-between gets a little too long and thin, at times.***** My Favorite Brunette (3/19/47) Elliott Nugent ~ Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour, Peter Lorre, Lon Chaney Jr.

intelearts With a plot of spies and intrigue to hang the one liners on this is nothing but fun all the way.As a solo effort (Without Bing Crosby - who does make a killer appearance eventually) this is one of Bob Hope's best. Every line is delivered just right and he and Dorothy Lamour are great.Every situation is milked for its comedy potential and sure, it's corny - but boy, it don't half work!This is just a wonderful comedy with an edge of excitement and a great send-up of some of the clichés of Film Noir.One to relax and laugh along with - Hope and Lamour at their best!