Millionaires in Prison

From RKO. At the open, we see the warden describing some new additions to his prison. One big name in here (besides Lee Tracy) is Shemp Howard as "the Professor", a prisoner, who is clearly here for comic relief. Of course, they make fools of themselves the first day, expecting the blue chip treatment, which doesn't happen. Brent and Keats come up with a plan to try to scam the other cell mates over a copper mine. Keats is played by Chester Clute, who always played background roles, typically with no lines. Often hotel clerks, or waiters. I remember him from Copacabana, Easy Come Easy Go, Saratoga Trunk, Mildred Pierce. When you see his face, you'll say "of course, that guy!". Burton (Lee Tracy) is one of the smarter prison mates who knows what's up, kind of the ringleader. The girlfriends of the prisoners meet on visiting day, and also form an alliance. It's pretty entertaining. Some left turns along the way. Keep an eye out for Grady Sutton, the nephew who comes to see his uncle on visiting day. Sutton had been in a bunch of W.C. Fields' films. There is a comedic side to this mostly serious plot, and according to wikipedia.org director Ray McCarey had directed Our Gang episodes, as well as Laurel and Hardy and the Three Stooges. McCarey croaked quite young (44), but I haven't been able to find the cause of death. Film is mostly well done. A little over the top, but not a bad way to spend 64 minutes.