Muss 'em Up

Mess 'em Up (1936)

*** (out of 4)

Private detective 'Tip' O'Neil (Preston Foster) is asked by his employer (Alan Mowbray) to investigate who shot his dog but this then leads to a human murder, kidnapping and blackmail case. O'Neil has a long list of suspects who might be behind the money scheme and he tries to crack the case with some violence and a not-so-bright assistant (Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams). If you're a fan of Turner Classic Movies like I am then you know they quite often show forgotten detective and crime films from the 30s and 40s. Everyone knows the more popular titles but once I got hooked on the station I was amazed to see how many good ones were out there but simply forgotten. This one here doesn't contain a brilliant story and it's not too hard to figure out who's behind everything but it's still rather unique because of the main character. I think it would be fair to call O'Neil a tad bit crazy simply by the way he acts. I can't ruin what happens at the end but just look at the way O'Neil carries on and you'll see what I mean about him being crazy. The other thing that makes the character so memorable is the way he loves to use violence to get the information he needs. Yes, he pays a couple people off but his big thing is beating confessions out of people and this includes a very funny story of how to use a hose without leaving a bruise. This unlawful act wasn't in any of these mysteries that I can remember so it's rather refreshing seeing a character willing to use it. Foster turns in a very good performance as he handles every side of the character without any problems. He was a lot of fun and it seemed as if he was having a blast playing it. Margaret Callahan, Mowbray, Ralph Morgan and Max Rosenbloom are good as well. Tough guy Williams is also a lot of fun in his role, another one who loves to beat and cheat people. It goes without saying but the title itself is something that would draw you to the picture and thankfully the film matches it in terms of entertainment.

This is a good old mystery film that feels a lot like a gangster film (just as another reviewer here has said). It's not great but has a lot of very young stars before they were stars. It's fun, and enjoyable. Not much of a mystery by today's standards and it looks and sounds old because it is from 1936, but worth watching and fun for the whole family.

Although complicated, the mystery part of this film kept me guessing who of the many characters were involved in the kidnapping and murder plot. There were lots of red herrings, so it was fun to watch the film unfold despite the complications. What surprised me was the comic touches throughout, the best being Big Boy Williams practicing a magic egg-disappearance trick. To his surprise, it worked, but he couldn't find the egg! I chuckle every time I think of it. There's also a cute running gag as well as an excellent semi-humorous portrayal of a Mafia godfather by Paul Porcasi. I enjoyed the film because of these light touches by director Charles Vidor.

The title stems from a similar remark made by the actual New York Police Commissioner Lewis J. Valentine when discussing how his police officers should handle criminals types. The private detective in this film, Preston Foster, continually mentions he can get (and has gotten) information he wants by using a rubber hose filled with buckshot on reluctant criminals. The police inspector in this film pans that idea.

Tough guy private detective Preston Foster is summoned via telegram. Rich client Alan Mowbray is having trouble: Someone has shot his dog and sent him a letter warning that "The next time it will be you."

Foster gets to work quickly but Mowbray's daughter is kidnapped, his chauffeur's son is killed...and the house is full of shady suspects.

Margaret Callahan is fine as the secretary who actually sent the telegram asking for Foster's help; she and the detective naturally suspect each other's abilities before teaming up. Ralph Morgan is Mowbray's sneaky brother-in-law. John Carroll is a suspicious-looking smooth talker who is involved with the daughter. Mowbray, the rich client, is known as "the guy with a house full of guns," and entertains himself by taking indoor target practice.

Preston Foster is not bad as the rough-and-tumble investigator who wants the facts and makes no pretense at being a gentleman detective. He is assisted by Guinn "Big Boy" Williams, a bodyguard who spends his spare moments reading up on parlor tricks. (A rare moment of comic relief features Williams attempting a funny disappearing egg trick that he doesn't understand.)

The picture's tone is more that of a gangster drama than a typical parlor mystery. Overall, though, the complex plot and good performances make for a solid whodunit.

I like a good black & white CRIME MOVIE from the 30's. There were dozens made during this era. A lot of Hollywoods young stars cut their teeth in this 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes movie era. I like the speed of the theme in this movie. The plot was clear and a good ending. Your entire family will enjoy.