Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Patient in Room 18 (1938)


One of the final screen pairings of Lance O'Leary and his girlfriend nurse Sara Keate. This time out O'Leary is played by Patrick Knowles and Keate is still Ann Sheridan.

The film has O'Leary in the throws oa nervous breakdown when he fails to solve a case. Ordered to rest he is taken to the hospital where his girlfriend Sara Keate is head nurse. While O'Leary is recouping a rich man is brought in and in order to cure a nasty skin condition one hunred thousand dollars (in 1938 dollars) is strapped to his chest. In short order the oldman is murdered and the radium goes missing.

Playing more like a variation on the Thin Man than any of the previous films (the reveal is a variation on the Thin Man dinner scene), this is a rip roaring little film that is simply great time. The characters are fun to watch, the dialog witty. Sure you'll know who did it as soon as he appears, but who cares when you are having this much fun?

If you love these old school mysteries, you owe it to yourself to see this film. Its a blast.

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