Powder Town (1942)

An absent minded research scientist takes a job at a munitions factory

Director:

Rowland V. Lee

Writers:

Vicki Baum (idea), Max Brand (novel),

Stars:

Victor McLaglen, Edmond O'Brien, June Havoc

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Victor McLaglen	...	Jeems O'Shea
Edmond O'Brien	...	J. Quincy 'Penji' Pennant
June Havoc	...	Dolly Smythe
Dorothy Lovett	...	Sally Dean
Eddie Foy Jr.	...	Mr. Billy Meeker
Damian O'Flynn	...	Oliver Lindsay
Marten Lamont	...	Chick Parker
Roy Gordon	...	Dr. Wayne
Marion Martin	...	Sue, Blonde Piano Player
Mary Gordon	...	Mrs. Douglas
Frances E. Neal	...	Carol (as Frances Neal)
Julie Warren	...	Betty
Jane Woodworth	...	Helen
George Cleveland	...	Gus, Institute Janitor
John Maguire	...	Harvey Dodge

Storyline

Absent-minded professor Quincey Pennant creates a formula to transmit the impact of explosives over greater distances. Hired by the Jupiter Powder Co. to perfect and test the method, he is occasionally sidetracked by gold-digging females and formula-seeking spies.

---

Plot Keywords:

explosive | powder | gun | secret formula | scientist | 

---

Taglines:

WOW - AND HOW! It's love keeping pace with the national speed-up program---Gorgeous gals...goofy guys blastin' the lid off a rough 'n' ready POWDER TOWN (original ad)

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama

---

Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 June 1942 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Cidade da Pólvora

Company Credits

Production Co:

RKO Radio Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

79 min 78 min (Turner library print)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Additonal scenes were added to update the story when the United States entered World War II during the production.

User Reviews

Wonderful little film.

It's on one of my Beta tapes and I still watch it now and then. To see Ed O'Brien so young and not portraying his usual overbearing character types is so refreshing. He really sold the absent minded professor act. Victor MacLagen was his terrific blustering strong and goodhearted self. But my hat and eyes go to June Havoc, the sister of Gypsy Rose Lee. She looks so shapely and sexy whether in a dress or those hot pants and blouse. that she overshadows Dorothy Lovett the love interest of O'Brien]. Some of the action stunts looks as though NO stunt doubles were used. Yes. a small well done B entry that had a simple plot with several themes from romance, comedy sci-fi,action and more than a touch of whimsy. For me it is right up there with Q PLANES with Ralph Richardson and Larry Olivier as unsung films that should be praised more. I hope that both of these films see the light of DVD before my VHS tapes wear out.