The Bishop Misbehaves

"The Bishop Misbehaves" is a very unusual entry into the very crowded field of mystery films of the 1930s and 40s. Big studios, little studios and those in between ALL made a bazillion of these films...and most were, at best, mediocre. However, this film stands out because of its main character and his very odd way of dealing with crime. Edmund Gwenn plays an Anglican bishop who loves solving crimes and sadly it's a stand-alone film--no sequels were to follow. His style is VERY unconventional...and that's why I give the film a 7...it certainly isn't because of the rest of the writing.

When the film begins, a young lady (Maureen O'Sullivan) is despondent. Her father's been cheated by a scum-bag and you KNOW that he is because the introductory credits tell you that Reginald Owen is a jerk and a crook! He's stolen her father's secret formula and she's planning on hiring some folks to help steal it back--using her very complicated plan. Oddly, however, an American who just met her agrees to help her...even though it could potentially get him killed or sent to prison! Into the middle of this stumbles the Bishop and his sister and instead of being horrified, they are THRILLED...as he loves solving crimes and meddling. And, a charming meddler he is!

The film is good...but be aware that sometimes the writing disappoints. This is a b-movie after all and plot problems and holes are not all that uncommon in these style films. In this case, there are just too many twists and surprises--to the point of being absurd. Still, it's oddly enjoyable....mostly because you really like Gwenn's character.