The Amazing Mr. Williams (1939)
Director:
Alexander Hall
Writers:
Dwight Taylor (screenplay), Sy Bartlett (screenplay)Stars:
Melvyn Douglas, Joan Blondell, Clarence Kolb
One review of Columbia's The Amazing Mr. Williams referred to its private-detective hero as "slap happy". As played by Melvyn Douglas, the giddy Kenny Williams is all that and more. On the eve of his wedding to longtime fiance Maxine Carroll (Joan Blondell), Williams is obliged to solve three mysteries in a row. One of these finds him handcuffed to convicted criminal Moseby (Ed Brophy), causing no end of discomfort and embarrassment on the dance floor. Another requires Williams to disguise himself as a woman, mustache and all. Finally, our hero goes undercover to prove the innocence of accused murderer Stanley (John Wray). Through it all, Maxine gamely remains at Williams' side, determined to march him to the altar come what may-at least until she herself is deputized by the police force!
