The Ex-Mrs. Bradford (1936)

Excellent but underrated film

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

... and yet it still came out pretty entertaining. It is obvious that RKO is trying to imitate the Thin Man series over at MGM, and they did pony up the money to borrow William Powell from MGM as the sleuth/surgeon in this one - yes I said surgeon. The thing is, this one has almost exactly the same skeleton of a plot outline as RKO's "The Star of Midnight" from the year before where Powell is the sleuth and Ginger Rogers is the girl that from the beginning claims she is going to marry him. This film even borrows the music from "Star of Midnight". This time it is Jean Arthur as the ex-wife who is awfully chummy with Powell's character, Dr. Bradford, considering they are divorced. What caused the break-up? Another man/woman? Money problems? Bored with each other? Nope. Just that the ex-wife involved the doctor in all of her murder mysteries to the point he was more her co-writer than doctor. Slim reasons for a divorce, thus the chumminess and the easy camaraderie. Paula Bradford comes to town on a visit just after a jockey has dropped dead as he was about to win his race. Paula uses a visit from the horse's trainer, Mike North, who believes the jockey was murdered, to get Dr. Bradford involved in a murder case AGAIN. Now overall this film is great fun. One of the problems is that the great Jean Arthur is really miscast as the ex-wife. All the best qualities of Miss Arthur, earthiness and toughness, aren't allowed to do more than peak through with this stilted rather goofy character. Also, the story gets quite confusing to the point that it does hold your interest if you can keep pace with it. Also, casting James Gleason, usually the smartest guy in the room, as a cop that can't see that Dr. Bradford has been obviously set up for a second murder for which he had no motive and no weapon just seems outrageous. Even as Dr. Bradford worries about being arrested for this murder, it is impossible to join him in his fears because the set up is just so apparent. Oh, and how do you further confuse an otherwise confusing story? Cast five actors with pencil-thin mustaches that all look the same! And yet it's worth a look, because of the stars, because of the pace, and because of the rather outrageous ending. I'd recommend it.

Some movie buffs like to compare various films of the comedy mystery group that William Powell made. Most reviewers focus on the chemistry between Powell and his female co-star, and on how well the co-star handles her role. The prototype for comparison is the role Myrna Loy played as Nora to Powell's Nick Charles in the Thin Man movies. Of course, it's OK to do that. But, recalling the variety of movies Powell was in and looking at the list of his work in the 1930s, I think Powell and movie makers were experimenting. "The Thin Man" was made in 1934, and the next one of that series didn't come out until "After the Thin Man" in 1936 But in the meantime, Powell starred in some other comedies, a couple musicals and a couple of dramas. One of those was a comedy mystery with another star. In 1935, Powell made "Star of Midnight" with Ginger Rogers. So, was it possible that Powell, and/or some movie moguls were looking for the best match with Powell to continue the Thin Man series? I wonder – especially since "Star" and "The Ex-Mrs. Bradford" both were made by RKO.After these two comedy mysteries at RKO, Powell returned to MGM and picked up with the Myrna Loy match for more Thin Man movies. I enjoy all of those films, and I think there was something special about that pairing. But, it doesn't take anything away from these others films or the co-stars performances with Powell. So, here we have a film with Jean Arthur, who became known for her comedy roles; but, who also was very good in dramatic roles. Arthur had a trademark high-pitched and sometimes squeaky voice that takes some getting used to. But, it only takes one film to do that. Some think she plays a ditsy blonde, but I think she comes across as very sharp, but a little naive and silly at times. And, those are endearing traits for her character, Paula, in this film. Nick's role as an M.D. – Dr. Bradford ("Brad") is part and parcel to the mystery and plot of this film. He and Arthur have very good supporting help from a number of other actors. At the top of the list is Eric Blore who plays Stokes. I don't think anyone has ever played a better butler role than Blore in comedies. While maintaining his proper respectful poise in his speech, Blore is fantastically funny in his facial expressions and mannerisms. This is a fine example of how supporting roles can really add to the quality and enjoyment of movies. Other reviewers discuss the plot, so I'll share some favorite lines form the film. Paula, "Oh good, dinner." Brad, "This is hardly the occasion for a banquet, but, uh … Stokes, lock up the silver." After dinner, Paula, "Brad, I've come to a terrific decision. I'm going to marry you again." Brad, "Paula, that's the thing I like about you. You're so subtle." Paula, "Well, I was only doing it for your sake, so you wouldn't have to pay me the alimony." Brad, "Oh, trying to bribe me, huh?"Brad, "Say, what is this, a frame-up?" Paula, "Well, you know, great minds …" Brad, "No. I don't know any great minds."Dr. Bradford examines jockeys before a race. He tells them to come forward one at a time and give their name. The first one steps up, "Ray Torro." Brad checks his heart, "OK, next." The second jockey says, "Al Torro." Dr. Bradford says, "Brothers?" Al, "No, he's my old man." Dr. Bradford, "Where's your grandfather riding?" Al, "Havana." As Brad finishes and leaves, Paula meets him. Paula, "Did you inoculate him?" Brad," With a little difficulty." Paula, Oh, I thought you used a hypodermic."This is a most entertaining film all through. Watch for the classic scenes where Paula tries to help Brad in a couple of scuffles. You might guess what happens. Very funny, indeed.

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.

William Powell recreates, for RKO, his Nick Charles character, now as Dr. Bradford, M.D. and Jean Arthur substitutes as Nora. How did it work? very well! This film works because Powell and Arthur have terrific chemistry, and a crackerjack good comic-mystery script. The mystery is clever, and the humor urbane and lighthearted. If you have enjoyed "The Thin Man" films, do yourself a favor and see it. It's available on tape, and I suspect DVD also.