The only other review of this movie as of this date really trashes the stars and the movie itself. I usually like to read the user comments to give me an idea of what to expect from a movie I don't know much about. It's unfortunate when there aren't many comments for a certain tile, because when there is only one review and it unreasonably trashes the movie and cast, you don't get an idea of what to expect. I read the review before watching this title and I don't know where all the venom for this movie and the stars came from. Douglas and Blondell were both very talented and attractive people who usually delivered, even when the material was not the greatest. I found the movie and the performances fun and enjoyable. It isn't one of the great all-time classics, but a pleasant and funny diversion-much more than you can hope for in most newer movies. If you are a fan of these stars, you will not be disappointed.
20 Reviews
Good film, lots of fun
blanche-226 March 2009
Melvyn Douglas and Joan Blondell co-star in "The Amazing Mr. Williams," a 1939 mystery/comedy that's quite good, although forgotten, probably due to the number of incredible films that came out in 1939.
Douglas plays a talented police detective married to his job, while his girlfriend waits for a wedding that is constantly postponed. What happens in this film is no exception - he's called to a murder scene just as he's about to walk down the aisle yet again.
Both stars were excellent at comedy, worked together well (and often), and help make this battle of the sexes fun. Edward Brophy and Donald McBride are on hand for excellent support.
As you can read in other reviews, Melvyn Douglas doesn't make much of a woman.
Entertaining if a little on the long side.
One of the comments here trashed Melvyn Douglas, one of our greatest actors. He literally floated effortlessly through dozens of films as the other man and the best friend before coming into his own in films as an old man. He wasn't lazy, but rather, a very hard-working actor (who made it look easy) who had a Broadway career simultaneously with his film career. He just wasn't cast as a leading man in films or given very challenging roles under the studio system. I challenge anyone to see his devastating performances in "Hud" and "I Never Sang for my Father" and call him lazy or make reference to his smirk.
Douglas plays a talented police detective married to his job, while his girlfriend waits for a wedding that is constantly postponed. What happens in this film is no exception - he's called to a murder scene just as he's about to walk down the aisle yet again.
Both stars were excellent at comedy, worked together well (and often), and help make this battle of the sexes fun. Edward Brophy and Donald McBride are on hand for excellent support.
As you can read in other reviews, Melvyn Douglas doesn't make much of a woman.
Entertaining if a little on the long side.
One of the comments here trashed Melvyn Douglas, one of our greatest actors. He literally floated effortlessly through dozens of films as the other man and the best friend before coming into his own in films as an old man. He wasn't lazy, but rather, a very hard-working actor (who made it look easy) who had a Broadway career simultaneously with his film career. He just wasn't cast as a leading man in films or given very challenging roles under the studio system. I challenge anyone to see his devastating performances in "Hud" and "I Never Sang for my Father" and call him lazy or make reference to his smirk.
Overlooked screwball comedy
waldog20065 January 2010
Melvyn Douglas once more gives a polished performance in which, this time, he inhabits the role of a detective who can't place love before duty and adventure, and the warmly beautiful Joan Blondell (who, far from being illiterate, as one reviewer suggested, wrote a novel about her early life) is as enjoyable as ever as his ever-suffering sweetheart.It's almost a screwball comedy, almost a Thin Man-type movie, almost a series, I guess, that didn't quite make it to a sequel. It doesn't quite reach classic status, but it has all the ingredients for a fun 85 minutes with an episodic but pacey script, fine character actors, and direction that keeps it all moving fast enough so that you nearly don't notice that Williams (Douglas) isn't exactly Columbo when it comes to detecting. I wish there were more films like this.
Fun who-dunnit
ksf-213 January 2009
Warning: Spoilers
The "Amazing Mr. Williams" stars Melvyn Douglas, who did five films in 1939, one of which was Ninotchka with Garbo. His co-star was Joan Blondell (Maxine), who ALSO did five films that year, THREE of which they made together! Douglas is Lt. Williams, and he and his co-horts are presented with a dead body, and they must figure out what really happened. Viewers will recognize his co-workers - the actors (Clarence Kolb, Donald MacBride, Don Beddoe) always played positions of authority... senators, bank presidents, policemen. This who-dunnit has a flair of comedy to it -- the policemen are always throwing jabs at each other, and even Williams and his girlfriend are battling verbally. Some fun gags - Williams even takes the man they arrested along on a date with his girlfriend. There's a lot of fun stuff in here, so get past the slow beginning and wait for the funnier stuff later on. Don't want to give away any spoilers, so you'll have to catch it on Turner Classic Movies. Director Alexander Hall made mostly comedies, and was reportedly engaged to Lucy at some point.
Cute story with predictable plot rescued by lively performances
csteidler2 July 2018
Joan Blondell is waiting in a restaurant. "Honestly, I should have my head examined," she says. "The world is full of nice normal men and I become engaged to a crazy cop."
The crazy cop is Melvyn Douglas, ambitious young police detective constantly tugged between his job on the one hand and his fiancée on the other. Blondell wants a little of Douglas's time - but for some reason homicide chief Clarence Kolb is intent on making Douglas work as many nights as possible, causing him to miss dates with Blondell.
Kolb's wicked plots to keep Douglas focused on his job involve enthusiastic assistance from goofy fellow cops Don Beddoe and Donald MacBride. Blondell herself works in the mayor's office across the courtyard from the cops, with co-worker Ruth Donnelly on hand to supply sardonic cracks.
A hilarious early episode features Douglas escorting convict Ed Brophy to prison to begin a 40-year stretch. Not wanting to miss an appointment with Blondell, Douglas stops off at her apartment, introduces Brophy as a pal, and they go out for a day at the beach....
Blondell's frustration with Douglas and his darn detective work builds and builds - until suddenly Douglas is arrested and it's up to Blondell herself to track down a key clue and save an innocent man. All of a sudden she's gung ho:
Donnelly: "You're crazy - what do you know about being a detective?" Blondell: "Everything! Watch me."
It's a silly story but this cast sure makes it a lot of fun - right down to the closing gag, which you can see coming from a mile away but is hilarious nevertheless.
The crazy cop is Melvyn Douglas, ambitious young police detective constantly tugged between his job on the one hand and his fiancée on the other. Blondell wants a little of Douglas's time - but for some reason homicide chief Clarence Kolb is intent on making Douglas work as many nights as possible, causing him to miss dates with Blondell.
Kolb's wicked plots to keep Douglas focused on his job involve enthusiastic assistance from goofy fellow cops Don Beddoe and Donald MacBride. Blondell herself works in the mayor's office across the courtyard from the cops, with co-worker Ruth Donnelly on hand to supply sardonic cracks.
A hilarious early episode features Douglas escorting convict Ed Brophy to prison to begin a 40-year stretch. Not wanting to miss an appointment with Blondell, Douglas stops off at her apartment, introduces Brophy as a pal, and they go out for a day at the beach....
Blondell's frustration with Douglas and his darn detective work builds and builds - until suddenly Douglas is arrested and it's up to Blondell herself to track down a key clue and save an innocent man. All of a sudden she's gung ho:
Donnelly: "You're crazy - what do you know about being a detective?" Blondell: "Everything! Watch me."
It's a silly story but this cast sure makes it a lot of fun - right down to the closing gag, which you can see coming from a mile away but is hilarious nevertheless.
It starts off well but bogs down a bit in the middle.
planktonrules1 February 2010
This is the third of three films Melvyn Douglas made with Joan Blondell in 1938 and 1939. It seemed that Columbia Pictures was trying to generate some momentum with the two but it apparently didn't take. It's too bad, as I really liked the two together--at least in the two films I saw (this one and "There's Always a Woman"). They seemed to have good chemistry.
This one begins with Douglas as a police lieutenant. For some odd reason, the Captain seems to want to destroy Douglas' love life with Blondell. Every time they plan a date, the Captain insists that Douglas needs to respond--even on his off days. This puts Douglas in the dog house with his girlfriend and eventually it causes Douglas to do something really crazy. The Captain, again in an effort to break up Douglas and Blondell, sends Melvyn on an errand to escort a convict to prison. But, Douglas is afraid to tell Blondell that their date has been canceled--so he brings the convict with him on the date--figuring he can drop off the guy at the prison later! And naturally, it blows up in his face and the police end up looking pretty bad.
Eventually, after many further indignities, Douglas has finally had enough. He knows the only way to get her back is to quit his job once and for all. But, like a retired fire horse, he just can't get it out of his system and despite telling Blondell he'd quit, he is tricked by the boss into investigating a murder/robbery. The notion of Douglas freeing a convicted murderer is just plain nuts. Why didn't he just let the guy stay in jail while he investigated instead of putting himself in jeopardy of a long prison term for such an act. And, sadly, at the point in the film the plot seemed to drag--mostly because it became more of a standard mystery film at this point. Like Nick and Nora Charles and Douglas and Blondell in "There's Always a Woman", the two pair up to solve a crime....and the film becomes all too ordinary
Overall, I liked the characters and the story had some nice moments, but the final 1/2 of the film is a bit of a let-down. Not bad, but after such a nice start, not all that great either.
This one begins with Douglas as a police lieutenant. For some odd reason, the Captain seems to want to destroy Douglas' love life with Blondell. Every time they plan a date, the Captain insists that Douglas needs to respond--even on his off days. This puts Douglas in the dog house with his girlfriend and eventually it causes Douglas to do something really crazy. The Captain, again in an effort to break up Douglas and Blondell, sends Melvyn on an errand to escort a convict to prison. But, Douglas is afraid to tell Blondell that their date has been canceled--so he brings the convict with him on the date--figuring he can drop off the guy at the prison later! And naturally, it blows up in his face and the police end up looking pretty bad.
Eventually, after many further indignities, Douglas has finally had enough. He knows the only way to get her back is to quit his job once and for all. But, like a retired fire horse, he just can't get it out of his system and despite telling Blondell he'd quit, he is tricked by the boss into investigating a murder/robbery. The notion of Douglas freeing a convicted murderer is just plain nuts. Why didn't he just let the guy stay in jail while he investigated instead of putting himself in jeopardy of a long prison term for such an act. And, sadly, at the point in the film the plot seemed to drag--mostly because it became more of a standard mystery film at this point. Like Nick and Nora Charles and Douglas and Blondell in "There's Always a Woman", the two pair up to solve a crime....and the film becomes all too ordinary
Overall, I liked the characters and the story had some nice moments, but the final 1/2 of the film is a bit of a let-down. Not bad, but after such a nice start, not all that great either.
Formulaic fun - but it's a very good formula so just enjoy!
1930s_Time_Machine8 February 2024
You get exactly what you expect from this and if that is a very typical late thirties comedy crime movie without any surprises or anything particularly memorable to make it stand out from the crowd you'll not be disappointed. As predictable as it is, this one however feels a bit more special.
This was the third picture Joan Blondell did with Melvyn Douglas: after a mediocre Thin Man rip off, they got into their stride with a very funny screwball comedy followed almost immediately by this quite witty crime comedy. It's well made, you take an instant liking to the characters and it keeps your interest by having a fairly intelligent and engrossing story. It's not laugh out loud funny but it gives you a comforting and cosy warmth that will make you smile. Somehow because the characters seem like real people, you don't actually notice how ridiculous this story gets at times. For example, it seems quite normal that Melvyn Douglas disguises himself as a woman simply by putting on a dress and a blonde wig still wearing his moustache. Those of you with exemplary musical taste will all be thinking what I thought at that point - that he bears a remarkable resemblance to James Young, the guitarist from STYX or is that just me?
Although her pre-code days and saucy outfits were long behind her by 1939, Joan Blondell has possibly never looked more gorgeous. Her character here is a bit more sophisticated than her earlier roles and it must also be said that she looks particularly voluptuous in this. It's a Melvyn Douglas movies so her role isn't quite as meaty as it could have been as most screen time is devoted to Mr Douglas. Having however escaped the treadmill of Warner Brothers, she certainly looks more relaxed and seems as though she is having fun which of course makes us enjoy it too. It's hardly a dramatic role but it's good to see her playing just slightly different rather than just a caricature of herself which plagued the latter part of her career at Warners.
Even if you're not obsessed with Joan Blondell, if you like 1930s comedies you'll probably enjoy this. It's no BRINGING UP BABY but it's a grade above most of the comedies which were made just before the war.
This was the third picture Joan Blondell did with Melvyn Douglas: after a mediocre Thin Man rip off, they got into their stride with a very funny screwball comedy followed almost immediately by this quite witty crime comedy. It's well made, you take an instant liking to the characters and it keeps your interest by having a fairly intelligent and engrossing story. It's not laugh out loud funny but it gives you a comforting and cosy warmth that will make you smile. Somehow because the characters seem like real people, you don't actually notice how ridiculous this story gets at times. For example, it seems quite normal that Melvyn Douglas disguises himself as a woman simply by putting on a dress and a blonde wig still wearing his moustache. Those of you with exemplary musical taste will all be thinking what I thought at that point - that he bears a remarkable resemblance to James Young, the guitarist from STYX or is that just me?
Although her pre-code days and saucy outfits were long behind her by 1939, Joan Blondell has possibly never looked more gorgeous. Her character here is a bit more sophisticated than her earlier roles and it must also be said that she looks particularly voluptuous in this. It's a Melvyn Douglas movies so her role isn't quite as meaty as it could have been as most screen time is devoted to Mr Douglas. Having however escaped the treadmill of Warner Brothers, she certainly looks more relaxed and seems as though she is having fun which of course makes us enjoy it too. It's hardly a dramatic role but it's good to see her playing just slightly different rather than just a caricature of herself which plagued the latter part of her career at Warners.
Even if you're not obsessed with Joan Blondell, if you like 1930s comedies you'll probably enjoy this. It's no BRINGING UP BABY but it's a grade above most of the comedies which were made just before the war.
Comedy from a golden year
aberlour3610 January 2009
What was there about 1939 that helped produce so many excellent Hollywood films? Well, whatever it was, the magic may also be found in this Columbia picture. It's a long forgotten screwball comedy that Turner Classic Movies has begun to show. (Maltin's movie book does not contain it.) In nearly every department, Amazing Mr. Williams is a jewel.
It's the story of a first-rate police detective who can never find the time to marry his intended. As the wedding bells are about to ring, he gets called to the scene of a murder. The lady in question has to learn the hard way not only to enjoy the pursuit of criminals but to belong to the police force. There are a lot of laughs in the process.
Melvyn Douglas proved again that he had few peers in light comedy. Joan Blondell was at the peak of her career and is a delight. Edward Brophy and Donald McBride are hilarious.
The film goes on a bit too long, but who cares? The screwball comedies are always able to entertain, and this film belongs right in there with the best.
It's the story of a first-rate police detective who can never find the time to marry his intended. As the wedding bells are about to ring, he gets called to the scene of a murder. The lady in question has to learn the hard way not only to enjoy the pursuit of criminals but to belong to the police force. There are a lot of laughs in the process.
Melvyn Douglas proved again that he had few peers in light comedy. Joan Blondell was at the peak of her career and is a delight. Edward Brophy and Donald McBride are hilarious.
The film goes on a bit too long, but who cares? The screwball comedies are always able to entertain, and this film belongs right in there with the best.
Episodic comedy
gridoon20243 March 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Although made one year later than another Melvyn Douglas - Joan Blondell pairing, "There's Always A Woman", "The Amazing Mr. Williams" can be taken as more of a prequel than a follow-up to that earlier film, in which Douglas plays a retired detective who has gone private and Blondell is his wife who has already discovered her knack for crime-solving. Here, Douglas works for the police force, Blondell is the mayor's secretary, and they haven't even gotten married yet. While Blondell is always a delight to watch and the film definitely has its moments (especially near the end, when her role becomes more active), it is burdened by an episodic story that jumps from subplot to subplot (first, it's a locked-room mystery; then a false identity farce; then a hunt for a serial killer; and finally, a bank-robbery-and-murder story). All in all, it's pleasant but unremarkable. **1/2 out of 4.
This crime comedy misfires badly
gerdeen-110 January 2009
The odd title, "The Amazing Mr. Williams," suggests to me that somebody wanted to create a movie series. That never happened, and it's easy to see why. Douglas plays Kenny Williams, a smart, brave and thoroughly decent police detective. His girlfriend, portrayed by Blondell, wants him off the force at any cost. His boss, played by Kolb, has just the opposite plan: He wants Williams to stay on the force even if it ruins his life. Both the girlfriend and the police chief are willing to lie and scheme to get what they want. What a situation! In a supposedly charming comedy, the people in Williams' life seem to care "amazingly" little about him. It all has a kind of nasty edge. If any of the gags had worked, this film might have been saved, but they all fall flat. Even the much-discussed drag scene is dull. The sight of a typical guy in an absurd female disguise is either funny at first sight or it's not funny at all. You can't doll up this dog of a movie.
Melvyn Douglas in drag IS a drag!
F Gwynplaine MacIntyre13 October 2003
There's nothing amazing about 'The Amazing Mr Williams'. Part of this movie's problem is its lead actor Melvyn Douglas. He was a lousy actor and lazy with it. For most of his career, he allowed his good looks, a glib manner and (usually, but not in this movie) some fine scriptwriting to make up for his lack of acting ability. I disliked Douglas as an actor before I knew anything about him as a person; I've learnt enough about him to know that I also despise his politics. I'll give Melvyn Douglas credit for one thing: his chromosomes did produce the incredibly talented and sexy actress Illeana Douglas.
Melvyn Douglas made this movie right after the brilliant 'Ninotchka' ... talk about a comedown! 'The Amazing Mr Williams' is allegedly a comedy, but I never laughed. Douglas plays a plainclothes detective on the homicide squad, named Kenny Williams. I never heard of a police detective named Kenny, but if they called him Kenneth Williams ... well, what a carry-on. The whole city is in a panic because a serial killer is going about, killing women. No motive is given for this; he just likes to kill women. The mayor (Jonathan Hale, better than usual) calls Williams on the carpet to account for his failure to catch the killer.
SPOILERS APPROACHING. The cheap, vulgar, untalented and unattractive Joan Blondell plays the mayor's secretary. (She doesn't sound literate enough to file a letter, much less type one.) Blondell and Douglas squabble like a cat and a dog, so it's blatantly obvious they're going to end up together.
At this movie's lowest point, Melvyn Douglas decides to draw out the killer by dressing up as a woman. You do NOT want to see Melvyn Douglas in drag! He's well over six foot, and he doesn't even shave off that annoying moustache. The similarly-'tashed William Powell was an actor very similar in type to Melvyn Douglas (but much more talented). When Powell disguised himself as a woman in 'Love Crazy', he had the integrity to shave off his moustache: a genuine sacrifice, as Powell needed it to grow in again for his next role. But Melvyn Douglas brings nothing whatever to his role in this movie, not even a razor. He plays his drag scenes with the same annoying smirk he used throughout the bulk of his career.
On the plus side, 'The Amazing Mr Williams' has several of those splendid supporting players who made Hollywood's movies of the '30s so delightful. Edward Brophy is brilliant here, touching and funny as a criminal who gets an unlikely furlough from his life sentence. The dyspeptic Donald MacBride is fine as a cop who gets mistaken for the killer, and is nearly lynched by a mob. Ruth Donnelly is splendid: as usual for her, but here she gets a chance to show her talents away from her usual orbit on the Warner Brothers backlot. Jimmy Conlin, Luis Alberni and the grinning Dave Willock are all fine in small roles. Barbara Pepper (whom I usually dislike) is good here too. The grossly unpleasant Maude Eburne gets some screen time; I always loathe her, and she gives the same performance in every film ... but some audiences enjoy Eburne's one-note performance very much, for reasons I can't fathom.
If you're familiar with Hollywood character actors of the 1930s, and the roles they tended to play, one glance at IMDb's cast list will tell you who the murderer is. That's the problem with 'The Amazing Mr Wiliams': everything is too obvious. I'll rate this movie 2 points out of 10.
Melvyn Douglas made this movie right after the brilliant 'Ninotchka' ... talk about a comedown! 'The Amazing Mr Williams' is allegedly a comedy, but I never laughed. Douglas plays a plainclothes detective on the homicide squad, named Kenny Williams. I never heard of a police detective named Kenny, but if they called him Kenneth Williams ... well, what a carry-on. The whole city is in a panic because a serial killer is going about, killing women. No motive is given for this; he just likes to kill women. The mayor (Jonathan Hale, better than usual) calls Williams on the carpet to account for his failure to catch the killer.
SPOILERS APPROACHING. The cheap, vulgar, untalented and unattractive Joan Blondell plays the mayor's secretary. (She doesn't sound literate enough to file a letter, much less type one.) Blondell and Douglas squabble like a cat and a dog, so it's blatantly obvious they're going to end up together.
At this movie's lowest point, Melvyn Douglas decides to draw out the killer by dressing up as a woman. You do NOT want to see Melvyn Douglas in drag! He's well over six foot, and he doesn't even shave off that annoying moustache. The similarly-'tashed William Powell was an actor very similar in type to Melvyn Douglas (but much more talented). When Powell disguised himself as a woman in 'Love Crazy', he had the integrity to shave off his moustache: a genuine sacrifice, as Powell needed it to grow in again for his next role. But Melvyn Douglas brings nothing whatever to his role in this movie, not even a razor. He plays his drag scenes with the same annoying smirk he used throughout the bulk of his career.
On the plus side, 'The Amazing Mr Williams' has several of those splendid supporting players who made Hollywood's movies of the '30s so delightful. Edward Brophy is brilliant here, touching and funny as a criminal who gets an unlikely furlough from his life sentence. The dyspeptic Donald MacBride is fine as a cop who gets mistaken for the killer, and is nearly lynched by a mob. Ruth Donnelly is splendid: as usual for her, but here she gets a chance to show her talents away from her usual orbit on the Warner Brothers backlot. Jimmy Conlin, Luis Alberni and the grinning Dave Willock are all fine in small roles. Barbara Pepper (whom I usually dislike) is good here too. The grossly unpleasant Maude Eburne gets some screen time; I always loathe her, and she gives the same performance in every film ... but some audiences enjoy Eburne's one-note performance very much, for reasons I can't fathom.
If you're familiar with Hollywood character actors of the 1930s, and the roles they tended to play, one glance at IMDb's cast list will tell you who the murderer is. That's the problem with 'The Amazing Mr Wiliams': everything is too obvious. I'll rate this movie 2 points out of 10.
Delightful and surprising minor film, deftly mixing genres and gender roles
boundbc7 January 2009
Delightful minor film, juggling comedy and detective, romance and drama genres as nimbly as Lt Kenny Williams (Melvyn Douglas) balances his devotion to his girl Maxine Carroll (Joan Blondell) and his duty to the force as an ace detective.
This hodge-podge may not appeal to all viewers today, but in its day, it had something to offer every member of the movie-going family, and the resolution to the rather tired feeling-versus-duty plot is original and refreshing, and well worth the wait.
"The Amazing Mr. Williams" contains what must be among the most outrageous blind dates in film history, and its bright comic repartee sparkles. Ludicrously frocked, Melvyn Douglas delivers some of the best lines: "I'd walk down Main Street in a Turkish towel before I'd let any woman control my life!" And the effervescent Joan Blondell lets her barbs fly with typical aplomb: "Good grief! You look like my Aunt Nellie!'
The crime-solving here is standard fare, although a fine cast of character actors helps bring the material to life.
From today's vantage point, "The Amazing Mr. Williams" is perhaps most interesting for its insightful commentary on gender as a socially defined construct, all the more malleable for its seemingly rigid boundaries. While much of the gender commentary takes place in a superficial battle of the sexes, at times it is both subtle and penetrating, playing out not only in some of the finer details of the film, but in the battle of genres that reaches its culmination in the final scene.
This hodge-podge may not appeal to all viewers today, but in its day, it had something to offer every member of the movie-going family, and the resolution to the rather tired feeling-versus-duty plot is original and refreshing, and well worth the wait.
"The Amazing Mr. Williams" contains what must be among the most outrageous blind dates in film history, and its bright comic repartee sparkles. Ludicrously frocked, Melvyn Douglas delivers some of the best lines: "I'd walk down Main Street in a Turkish towel before I'd let any woman control my life!" And the effervescent Joan Blondell lets her barbs fly with typical aplomb: "Good grief! You look like my Aunt Nellie!'
The crime-solving here is standard fare, although a fine cast of character actors helps bring the material to life.
From today's vantage point, "The Amazing Mr. Williams" is perhaps most interesting for its insightful commentary on gender as a socially defined construct, all the more malleable for its seemingly rigid boundaries. While much of the gender commentary takes place in a superficial battle of the sexes, at times it is both subtle and penetrating, playing out not only in some of the finer details of the film, but in the battle of genres that reaches its culmination in the final scene.
Having Fun In Homicide
DKosty1232 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
While Peter Faulk's Columbo is the exact opposite of Melvyn Douglas Homicide Detective, the difference is quite stark. Instead of being the plodding dog chasing clue bloodhound, Melvyn Douglas is the golden boy who comes in and puts everything together in a hurry. Here he comes, and boom, the case is solved.
Meanwhile, Joan Blondell is the attractive girlfriend who wants to marry him but can't seem to get him away from his job long enough to do it. She spends so much time trying that finally (spoiler) she decides that if you can't beat them, join them. As for support, the Chief of Police who is a veteran silent actor is excellent in his role.
The only thing to me that is strange is I almost feel like this was a role that Douglas has that would have been done better by William Powell. The only thing is though since this is an obvious B picture and Powell was an A picture man, Douglas got the role. I am not sure if Blondell ever worked with Powell, but the form she has in this makes me wish she had. I am going to have to check on that. If I could find such a cast, I bet they would be great together.
There is some pretty good support and writing here from the writing crew which includes the script writer of Gregory Pecks Twelve O'Clock High movie 10 years later. Once the humor starts flying in this one you get hooked. At first it plays like a straight police film. Blondell and Douglas and the chief raise it up a level. It's very much worth a look.
Meanwhile, Joan Blondell is the attractive girlfriend who wants to marry him but can't seem to get him away from his job long enough to do it. She spends so much time trying that finally (spoiler) she decides that if you can't beat them, join them. As for support, the Chief of Police who is a veteran silent actor is excellent in his role.
The only thing to me that is strange is I almost feel like this was a role that Douglas has that would have been done better by William Powell. The only thing is though since this is an obvious B picture and Powell was an A picture man, Douglas got the role. I am not sure if Blondell ever worked with Powell, but the form she has in this makes me wish she had. I am going to have to check on that. If I could find such a cast, I bet they would be great together.
There is some pretty good support and writing here from the writing crew which includes the script writer of Gregory Pecks Twelve O'Clock High movie 10 years later. Once the humor starts flying in this one you get hooked. At first it plays like a straight police film. Blondell and Douglas and the chief raise it up a level. It's very much worth a look.
Desperate "Thin Man" Wannabe
cdale-4139219 March 2023
Police Lt. Kenny Williams (Melvyn Douglas) is torn between his obligations to his job, and his fiancé Maxine Carroll (Joan Blondell) who just happens to be the mayor's secretary. His job and his fiancé are both very demanding of his time and are constantly at odds. It seems that every time Kenny and Maxine have a date, he is called away.
Lately there have been a string of murders and the press has dubbed the evil-doer "The Phantom Slugger." This keeps Kenny busy.
Can he solve the case AND satisfy Maxine with a ring on her finger?
Random Notes:
This is a poor imitation of the Thin Man series. The tone of the film is wildly uneven and there's no chemistry between the stars. They're obviously trying way too hard to make this into a similar success.
There's a mildly funny sequence where it is decided that one of the force's detectives must dress in drag and hang out on the street hoping to lure the murderer out of hiding. It was cute.
The ending is really stupid.
*shrug*
Lately there have been a string of murders and the press has dubbed the evil-doer "The Phantom Slugger." This keeps Kenny busy.
Can he solve the case AND satisfy Maxine with a ring on her finger?
Random Notes:
This is a poor imitation of the Thin Man series. The tone of the film is wildly uneven and there's no chemistry between the stars. They're obviously trying way too hard to make this into a similar success.
There's a mildly funny sequence where it is decided that one of the force's detectives must dress in drag and hang out on the street hoping to lure the murderer out of hiding. It was cute.
The ending is really stupid.
*shrug*
No great shakes, but good screen chemistry between the leads
vincentlynch-moonoi8 April 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Most films require us to suspend belief to some extent. But this one goes a little too far to set up the premise -- that in order to not disappoint a fiancé, that a police detective would wine and dine a gangster headed to prison, rather than renege on a date. Okay, so you've got to swallow pretty hard to choke down that premise. But, if you can, this is a pleasant enough comedy.
In fact, there are a number of minor issues throughout the film that make it illogical, but it's still fun. The two stars -- Melvyn Douglas and Joan Blondell -- have really good screen chemistry. As a result, I was able to overlook some of the problems with the script.
Except for movie buffs, Douglas and Blondell are largely forgotten actors today. And that's a shame. In their day they could certainly carry a film. Melvyn Douglas, in particular, was quite adept at comedy or drama. Here, Douglas demonstrates his flair for comedy. Joan Blondell was a prolific screen actress, and I usually associate her with comedy.
The supporting actors here do nicely. While you may not remember their names, you'll certainly recognize their faces. Of particular note: Clarence Kolb, here playing the police captain (though he always reminds me of the old man with all the money in the Monopoly game). Ruth Donelly as Blondell's best friend. Edward Brophy as the gangster. Donald MacBride as a detective (and sometimes referred to as the King of the Slow Burn).
This movie is no great shakes, but is pleasant enough.
In fact, there are a number of minor issues throughout the film that make it illogical, but it's still fun. The two stars -- Melvyn Douglas and Joan Blondell -- have really good screen chemistry. As a result, I was able to overlook some of the problems with the script.
Except for movie buffs, Douglas and Blondell are largely forgotten actors today. And that's a shame. In their day they could certainly carry a film. Melvyn Douglas, in particular, was quite adept at comedy or drama. Here, Douglas demonstrates his flair for comedy. Joan Blondell was a prolific screen actress, and I usually associate her with comedy.
The supporting actors here do nicely. While you may not remember their names, you'll certainly recognize their faces. Of particular note: Clarence Kolb, here playing the police captain (though he always reminds me of the old man with all the money in the Monopoly game). Ruth Donelly as Blondell's best friend. Edward Brophy as the gangster. Donald MacBride as a detective (and sometimes referred to as the King of the Slow Burn).
This movie is no great shakes, but is pleasant enough.
Blondell is ravishing and Douglas gives what might be his best performance
morrisonhimself4 June 2019
With a clever and inventive script, perhaps any cast could give good performances, but "The Amazing Mr. Williams" has a wonderful, top-notch cast.
Sorry I've never heard of director Alexander Hall, but it's obviously my loss. As good as the players are, they couldn't have created such an enjoyable ensemble production without a very able director.
Probably there is no reason to list all the actors because you can see that in the IMDb listings, and, really, they were ALL so good, it would be a shame to leave out anyone.
This is a fairly low-budget movie, since it's from Columbia, but it is an incredibly high-quality motion picture, one I recommend very highly.
There is a very good print at YouTube. Please watch it.
Sorry I've never heard of director Alexander Hall, but it's obviously my loss. As good as the players are, they couldn't have created such an enjoyable ensemble production without a very able director.
Probably there is no reason to list all the actors because you can see that in the IMDb listings, and, really, they were ALL so good, it would be a shame to leave out anyone.
This is a fairly low-budget movie, since it's from Columbia, but it is an incredibly high-quality motion picture, one I recommend very highly.
There is a very good print at YouTube. Please watch it.
Blondell and Melvyn Douglas Sparkle in a Fun Police Yarn
glennstenb27 June 2019
Most fans of pre-WWii film will enjoy The Amazing Mr. Williams, a fun police detective comedy-adventure starring a sparkling team of Joan Blondell and Melvyn Douglas. Joan Blondell by 1939 had been in film nearly 10 years but appears beautifully fresh and gorgeous, expressing herself not only with her vibrant eyes and face but with her entire body. And Douglas is as smooth as silk in this role, perfectly subtle but leading the way through a series of plot twists. The wonderful supporting cast are all familiar to us move-lovers, their work together here allowing the viewer to feel as though we are spending quality time with good tried-and-true friends. The uniquely-voiced Clarence Kolb, in particular, seems to have a really good time here and shines brightly. But really, the entire cast sparkles. The direction is obviously sharp, the settings (police station, city hall, domiciles, street scenes) are detailed and well-lit, and the dialog is uncomplicated, square-on, economical, and seems like natural interaction and banter. There is nothing not to love in what is really a fairly minor picture, but one put together with great affection. Please enjoy!
Underrated screwball comedy
rockymark-3097421 June 2021
This was a superb screwball comedy. And how many films enthrall one from the beginning, with Joan Blondell ordering drinks waiting for her detective husband played by Melvyn Douglas to appear. The film also has a fine closure, reversing gender roles.
In addition to those two stars it was great to see Clarence Kolb say "You're fired!" to someone other than Vern Albright in the My Little Margie Series. Kolb of course was well known as Honeywell at the Honeywell & Todd company where Albright worked.
The script was witty throughout with one scene stretching credulity where Douglas as the detective takes a criminal on a double date with him instead of to prison as intended.
It's possible that this film would be better known if the director was more famous. But I doubt if the average person knows who Alexander Hall is, though he won an Oscar nod for Best Director for Here Comes Mr. Jordan. His two other films that many might recognize include My Sister Eileen and one film starring Mario Lanza, Because You're Mine.
In addition to those two stars it was great to see Clarence Kolb say "You're fired!" to someone other than Vern Albright in the My Little Margie Series. Kolb of course was well known as Honeywell at the Honeywell & Todd company where Albright worked.
The script was witty throughout with one scene stretching credulity where Douglas as the detective takes a criminal on a double date with him instead of to prison as intended.
It's possible that this film would be better known if the director was more famous. But I doubt if the average person knows who Alexander Hall is, though he won an Oscar nod for Best Director for Here Comes Mr. Jordan. His two other films that many might recognize include My Sister Eileen and one film starring Mario Lanza, Because You're Mine.
Is it marriage or murder?
mark.waltz2 September 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Homicide detective Melvyn Douglas is determined to make good in his chosen career, but his long-time girlfriend Joan Blondell would rather him retire and push baby carriages, the thought of which makes him wince. She is tired of his being pulled away from their romantic evenings out on the town, so she begins plotting ways of getting him to either be fired or resign. "I'm more interested in making Kenny a good cop rather than a good husband", police chief Clarence Kolb tells Blondell after she inquires if he's been fired. But once a cop, always a cop, and even after he does resign, circumstances change which keeps him working much to Blondell's frustration.
A funny subplot involves an ill-fated romance between Blondell's co-worker Ruth Donnelly whom Douglas sets up with Edward Brophy. All would be fine if Brophy didn't have a 40 year sentence waiting for him upstate. "Age before beauty", he tells her, allowing her to go in front of him. Blondell comments, "Your friend doesn't waste much time" to which Douglas replies, "He hasn't got much time to waste". Brophy proves to be a rather dashing dancer, hoofing with both Blondell and Donnelly, promising her, "I'll never look at another dame as long as I live."
It seems that the biggest challenge in police chief Kolb's job is to find a police officer willing to dress in women's clothing to trap a killer. Guess who ends up in drag! "Good grief, you look like my Aunt Nellie!", Blondell exclaims upon seeing him. Of course, he doesn't remove his mustache, covering it instead with a flowered see-through veil. Blondell follows him, is attacked, and through guilt, Douglas promises to marry her, much to Kolb's dismay. A smart and funny script keeps the wisecracks flowing, while the action comes fast and furious, giving enough mystery both for the murder and whether or not Douglas will ultimately commit.
"Congradulations! I hope all your kids have flat feet!", Donnelly tells Douglas after he stands Blondell up at their city hall marriage for police business. Eventually, like Nick and Nora (and many other "Thin Man" knock-off couples), Blondell joins Douglas in helping him in his investigation in order to save him from going to jail, and this leads to a more serious last quarter. Even though Blondell may seem a bit one sided in her determination to grasp onto Douglas and take him away from his career, she does seem to come around and understand why he has to do for a living what he does. So in the end, this is less about a clinging, manipulative woman, but about two people in love coming to an understanding and how they deal with their differences.
A funny subplot involves an ill-fated romance between Blondell's co-worker Ruth Donnelly whom Douglas sets up with Edward Brophy. All would be fine if Brophy didn't have a 40 year sentence waiting for him upstate. "Age before beauty", he tells her, allowing her to go in front of him. Blondell comments, "Your friend doesn't waste much time" to which Douglas replies, "He hasn't got much time to waste". Brophy proves to be a rather dashing dancer, hoofing with both Blondell and Donnelly, promising her, "I'll never look at another dame as long as I live."
It seems that the biggest challenge in police chief Kolb's job is to find a police officer willing to dress in women's clothing to trap a killer. Guess who ends up in drag! "Good grief, you look like my Aunt Nellie!", Blondell exclaims upon seeing him. Of course, he doesn't remove his mustache, covering it instead with a flowered see-through veil. Blondell follows him, is attacked, and through guilt, Douglas promises to marry her, much to Kolb's dismay. A smart and funny script keeps the wisecracks flowing, while the action comes fast and furious, giving enough mystery both for the murder and whether or not Douglas will ultimately commit.
"Congradulations! I hope all your kids have flat feet!", Donnelly tells Douglas after he stands Blondell up at their city hall marriage for police business. Eventually, like Nick and Nora (and many other "Thin Man" knock-off couples), Blondell joins Douglas in helping him in his investigation in order to save him from going to jail, and this leads to a more serious last quarter. Even though Blondell may seem a bit one sided in her determination to grasp onto Douglas and take him away from his career, she does seem to come around and understand why he has to do for a living what he does. So in the end, this is less about a clinging, manipulative woman, but about two people in love coming to an understanding and how they deal with their differences.
Very good comedy, with just a little crime and mystery
SimonJack28 March 2020
"The Amazing Mr. Williams" is one of three films in which Melvyn Douglas starred with Joan Blondell. They were both in a later film in supporting roles. While Douglas pulls off all of his comedies very well, Blondell's films were hit and miss. She doesn't do very well overall with Douglas. The best of their pairings was the earlier 1939 film, "Good Girls Go to Paris."
Still, this is a good comedy mystery, more so because of two supporting actors and their characters' relations to the Douglas character. Douglas is police detective, Lt. Kenny Williams. His boss, Captain McGovern is played superbly by Clarence Kolb. Williams is McGovern's best investigator, hands down, and the captain doesn't want to lose him. But Kenny is engaged to Blondell's Maxine Carroll, who just happens to be the mayorr's secretary.
McGovern thinks that Carroll will change Williams and ruin him as a top detective. So, McGovern and his other detective Lt. Bixler, concoct various things to pull the couple apart. Donald MacBride is very good as the second conspiring supporting actor. Maxine is getting tired of having her beau called away on date nights to investigate a new crime. He says he loves her, but at the sound of a siren, his heart and head begin to turn.
One more supporting actor adds to the humor. Edward Brophy plays Buck Moseby, a crook who has been sentenced to 40 years in prison. Kenny is supposed to deliver him to the state prison, but he has to break a rescheduled date with Maxine to do it. This leads to some of the funniest parts of the movie.
How will this end? Wait and see. It's worth a watch. But those who have seen other Douglas comedies with other stars won't find this one quite as funny. Still, it's good entertainment for those who enjoy clean comedies of the past. The satire part is light spoofing of police forces, and the different jobs within them.
Just two weeks before this movie premiered on Nov. 22, another Douglas smash hit premiered that starred Gretta Garbo. "Ninotchka" received four Academy Award nominations and is one of the funniest comedies of all time. But, remember, what year this was. Many cinephiles, film historians and critics regards 1939 as the best year in the history off Hollywood. Indeed, no year since has had so many outstanding films made - not just in Hollywood, but including those across the pond as well.
Here are some favorite lines from this film.
Maxine, "The world if full of nice, normal men, and I become engaged to a crazy cop." Kenny, "Darling, I wish you wouldn't keep referring to me as a cop. I'm a grade A detective - homicide squad. It's a vastly different thing."
Kenny, "At least we had some chicken soup together They'll never be able to take that away from us. Bye."
Maxine, "It must be fun, running into an old alumnus like this." Buck Moseby, " Oh, go on. You ain't so old. "
Maxine, "Mr. Jones, just what is your alma mater?" Buck Moseby, "Listen lady, let's cut out the double talk and get down to brass tacks, huh."
Maxine, "Kenny Williams, of all the shabby tricks you've ever played on me, this is the worst. Letting me dance with a common murderer."
Capt. McGovern, "The first requirement of any good officer is never to ask a man to do something that he wouldn't do himself. "
Capt. McGovern, "I'm a captain. You're only a lieutenant."
Maxine, "Capt. McGovern, when you die, why don't you leave your body to science?" Capt. McGovern, "What for?" Maxine, "I'd just like to know what cops use for a heart." McGovern, walking away laughing, "Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha."
Cab driver, "Hey, lady. Do you know that guy you slugged is a detective?" Kenney Williams, dressed as a woman, "So what?" Cab driver, "Oh, nothin', nothin', I just thought I'd mention it."
Capt. McGovern, "The woman that marries that man has gotta take him for what he is - a good cop. Not what she wants him to be."
Still, this is a good comedy mystery, more so because of two supporting actors and their characters' relations to the Douglas character. Douglas is police detective, Lt. Kenny Williams. His boss, Captain McGovern is played superbly by Clarence Kolb. Williams is McGovern's best investigator, hands down, and the captain doesn't want to lose him. But Kenny is engaged to Blondell's Maxine Carroll, who just happens to be the mayorr's secretary.
McGovern thinks that Carroll will change Williams and ruin him as a top detective. So, McGovern and his other detective Lt. Bixler, concoct various things to pull the couple apart. Donald MacBride is very good as the second conspiring supporting actor. Maxine is getting tired of having her beau called away on date nights to investigate a new crime. He says he loves her, but at the sound of a siren, his heart and head begin to turn.
One more supporting actor adds to the humor. Edward Brophy plays Buck Moseby, a crook who has been sentenced to 40 years in prison. Kenny is supposed to deliver him to the state prison, but he has to break a rescheduled date with Maxine to do it. This leads to some of the funniest parts of the movie.
How will this end? Wait and see. It's worth a watch. But those who have seen other Douglas comedies with other stars won't find this one quite as funny. Still, it's good entertainment for those who enjoy clean comedies of the past. The satire part is light spoofing of police forces, and the different jobs within them.
Just two weeks before this movie premiered on Nov. 22, another Douglas smash hit premiered that starred Gretta Garbo. "Ninotchka" received four Academy Award nominations and is one of the funniest comedies of all time. But, remember, what year this was. Many cinephiles, film historians and critics regards 1939 as the best year in the history off Hollywood. Indeed, no year since has had so many outstanding films made - not just in Hollywood, but including those across the pond as well.
Here are some favorite lines from this film.
Maxine, "The world if full of nice, normal men, and I become engaged to a crazy cop." Kenny, "Darling, I wish you wouldn't keep referring to me as a cop. I'm a grade A detective - homicide squad. It's a vastly different thing."
Kenny, "At least we had some chicken soup together They'll never be able to take that away from us. Bye."
Maxine, "It must be fun, running into an old alumnus like this." Buck Moseby, " Oh, go on. You ain't so old. "
Maxine, "Mr. Jones, just what is your alma mater?" Buck Moseby, "Listen lady, let's cut out the double talk and get down to brass tacks, huh."
Maxine, "Kenny Williams, of all the shabby tricks you've ever played on me, this is the worst. Letting me dance with a common murderer."
Capt. McGovern, "The first requirement of any good officer is never to ask a man to do something that he wouldn't do himself. "
Capt. McGovern, "I'm a captain. You're only a lieutenant."
Maxine, "Capt. McGovern, when you die, why don't you leave your body to science?" Capt. McGovern, "What for?" Maxine, "I'd just like to know what cops use for a heart." McGovern, walking away laughing, "Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha."
Cab driver, "Hey, lady. Do you know that guy you slugged is a detective?" Kenney Williams, dressed as a woman, "So what?" Cab driver, "Oh, nothin', nothin', I just thought I'd mention it."
Capt. McGovern, "The woman that marries that man has gotta take him for what he is - a good cop. Not what she wants him to be."
See also
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