You Never Can Tell (1951)

Redundant and unnecessary.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

If you buy only one of those overpriced Universal Vault MODs, buy this one! If you buy two, then buy "If I Were King" starring Ronald Colman, but that is another story.I'd like to think that Dick Powell was wealthy enough by 1951 that he could largely pick his projects, because this one is a gem of Dick Powell parodying the Dick Powell PI persona of the noirs. He plays a German Shepherd dog, King, who inherits a large fortune from an eccentric owner and then is murdered by poison. When he arrives in Animal Heaven (Beastatory) he says he knows who his murderer is and wants time back on earth to bring that murderer to justice. It's not just his untimely death that requires his attention, his kindly keeper was next in line for the estate, and down on earth she is suspect number one, so he also wants to clear her name in the process.King is given that chance, but he must return to Animal Heaven by the new moon or forever remain a "Humanimal" - human in form, animal in nature. To become a humanimal and return to earth not knowing that you are one is the punishment of bad animals. King will return knowing his state and his mission with all of the memories of his previous existence. He is given a deceased Kentucky race horse as his companion and helper on his mission.It's just hilarious seeing Dick Powell returned to earth as "Rex Shepherd, PI" sitting in a spartan office talking like Philip Marlowe and nibbling on dog kibble instead of peanuts and cowering in doorways whenever the dog catcher appears, forgetting he is in human form. Goldie, his human-horse companion, has hat styles that are pure palomino. The murderer is no mystery - you learn the identity pretty much up front. The trick is catching the perpetrator. Also, as a humanimal, Rex finds he is having new rather confusing feelings for the beautiful young lady who was his keeper during his life as a dog. How can this all work out and not bust the production code wide open? Watch and find out.Let me also say that the transfer is outstanding on the Universal Vault DVD. All I have seen in the past are poor VHS transfers from past TV airings. This one is worth going back to again and again for the hilarity and the magic of it all. A great family film, a great holiday film, a great film anytime you need cheering up.Forgive me for mentioning specific products in this review, but this one DVD transfer is the only way I know to see a good copy of the film.

This very enjoyable and somewhat bizarre movie is one of the best kept secrets of the 1950s. The movie begins with Ellen Hathaway (Peggy Dow) and the German Shepherd named King. King has inherited his owners fortune and the estate is to be looked after by his secretary, Miss Hathaway. King is a happy dog, but someone his unhappy about his inheritance and poisons him. Off he goes to Beastatory where he awaits judgment. Although he has been a good dog, he requests to return to Earth so he can reveal his killer. He returns as a private eye named Rex Shepherd (Dick Powell) under the watchful eye of a reincarnated horse Goldie (Joyce Holden) and stirs up all kinds of trouble.A great movie for kids and adults alike, You Never Can Tell combines just the right amount of fantasy and reality to create a believable and fun film. It is not cheesy, but there are plenty of silly jokes like Rex munching on dog kibble and Goldie outrunning buses.Hopefully this title will be formally released, but until then we will have to settle for ebay prints and TV broadcasts.

I saw this movie in the late 50's on TV. I liked it so much that I never forgot it. I have never seen it since. Just recently I found out the title. It is everything a good movie should be. Too bad I can't find a copy. There are tear jerkers, gags, action, and it is fairly fast moving. It is b&w but the material makes up for it. The makers should put it on DVD and offer it. I would be one of the first customers. I will never forget the horse running after the bus.

This movie is great. My wife and I adore it. There is no violence. It is a comedy that can be watched over and over. This is a true classic. I wish it was available on video or DVD (yes it is that good). Basic story:- King the German Shepherd is left a fortune when his owner dies, someone poisons him and he returns to earth as a PI called Rex Shepherd to bring his killer to justice. I won't tell you any more as it will spoil it for you. Bye........