The Ex-Mrs. Bradford (1936)

User Rating:

6.9/10   

Director:

Stephen Roberts

Writers:

James Edward Grant (story)
Anthony Veiller (writer)

Release Date:

13 May 1936 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Mystery

Plot:

An ex-married couple investigate a murder in the 'Thin Man' manner.

Plot Keywords:

Murder | Horse | Jockey | Screwball | Beautiful Woman

Cast

William Powell	...	Dr. Lawrence Bradford
Jean Arthur	...	Paula Bradford
James Gleason	...	Inspector Corrigan
Eric Blore	...	Stokes, Bradford's Butler
Robert Armstrong	...	Nick Martel (bookie)
Lila Lee	...	Miss Prentiss, Bradford's Receptionist
Grant Mitchell	...	John Summers, Luxury's Owner
Erin O'Brien-Moore	...	Mrs. Summers
Ralph Morgan	...	Leroy Hutchins, Warcloud's Owner
Lucile Gleason	...	Mrs. Hutchins
Frank M. Thomas	...	Mike North (Luxury's trainer)
Frankie Darro	...	Spike Salisbury
Frank Reicher	...	Henry Strand, Summers' Lawyer
Charles Richman	...	Mr. Curtis, Turf Club President
John Sheehan	...	Bert 'Murphy' Murph, Private Eye

Runtime:

82 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Victor System)

Certification:

Finland:K-16 | USA:Approved (PCA #2051)

Filming Locations:

Santa Anita Park - 285 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia, California, USA

Company:

RKO Radio Pictures

Trivia:

Paula refers to Brad as "Lochinvar back from the wars". 'Lochinvar' is the title of a romantic poem by Sir Walter Scott, first published in 1808.

Goofs:

Factual errors: The bite of a black widow spider is painful but rarely fatal.

Quotes:

Dr. Lawrence Bradford: [to Nick Martel] In exactly twenty-eight minutes I have to start opening a gentleman's stomach. Maybe I can do as much for you some day.

Soundtrack:

Wedding March

Ignore that other review, Powell and Arthur have GREAT chemistry!

I've seen the Thin Man series -- Powell and Loy are definitely great, but there is something awfully sweet about Powell and Arthur's chemistry in this flick. Jean Arthur SHINES when she looks at Powell. There is an unmistakable undercurrent buzzing between them. This film may not have the wit of the Thin Man series, but undeniably makes up for it in charm. While I watched it, I thought for sure Powell was carrying on an off-screen affair with Arthur. My friends thought the same. This is one film where I wish I could step back in time (to schmooze and lock lips with Powell!) There seems to be no end to his lovable playful smirks! Powell's character, Lawrence Bradford, is probably the closest thing to the "perfect man." Okay, this is sounding way too gushy, but I can't help myself.