Scattergood Survives a Murder

Scattergood Baines appeared in several short stories written by Clarence Budington Kellend. Six stories where made into short B films in the early 1940s. I have three of these films. I revisit this film often.

Guy Kibbee plays the part of Scattergood in all six films. I would describe Guy as pleasingly plump, with a cubby, cheeked moon face. Scattergood is always happy as he is kindly, he verbally pushes and prods everyone he meets into doing what is best for them (and for him). He is a mixture of Miss Marple and Mother Teresa.

The film is a murder mystery. Two old rich spinster sisters love their cat Matildy. Both sisters die as they take the cat to the vets. When their horse drawn carriage overturns. The Family gather at the Mansion for the reading of the will. After the will is read another three death's take place. Scattergood uses a local newspaper Editor and a bubbling Sheriff to manipulate events to flush out the murder.

I really enjoyed Spencer Charters portrayal of the totally confused Sheriff. It was marvellous to watch Guy Kibbee and Willie Best keep the chuckles coming. At the end of the case, Scattergood encourages the Editor and the Sheriff to take all the credit for solving the case. We know Scattergood pulled all the strings to get to the solution. Scattergood even found time to arrange a love match between the Editor and an out of town Reporter. Scattergood's last line of the film, "Love is like a raindrop. It can fall on anyone.