Monte Carlo Nights

For an hour-long programmer, the flick's not bad. The plot's pretty familiar. A guy gets accused of a murder he didn't commit and now has to track down the real killer, using a roulette-wheel combination as a clue. Good thing others want to help.

For former Saturday matinee kids, like this now geezer, the real magnet is Gabby Hayes with his teeth in and no whiskers and playing a big-time cop, no less. I was fascinated, to say the least, after so many years laughing at his goofy sidekick to Roy Rogers, Hopalong Cassidy, et al. Here, he shows a versatility I would never have expected. Also, it's an excellent cast for a cheapo, with a bevy of lovely ladies, along with a leading man, Darrow, who bears a strong facial resemblance to Marlon Brando - see what you think.

All in all, the minor flick holds interest though doesn't generate much suspense, the identity of the real killer being a rather minor point. At the same time, actress Bryan does make the romantic angle work pretty well. And catch those head-hugging cloche hats fashionable ladies wore at the time. I'd like to see them make a comeback. Anyway, give the flick a try. It's a good way to pass a leisurely hour.