Dragnet Patrol

I found the supporting cast of "Dragnet Patrol" more interesting than the film itself. In support are Vernon Dent (a frequent foil in Three Stooges films), Walter Long (a frequent foil in Laurel & Hardy films) and George 'Gabby' Hayes, practically unrecognizable as a private detective. As for the story...it's decent but not much more and the ending was weak.

When the story begins, Cookie (Vernon Dent) introduces Larry (Glenn Tryon) to his wife and her friend, Millie. Soon Larry and Millie wed and the two guys decide to quit their life in the Navy and get jobs that bring them home more often. Larry loves his job with the fishing fleet and is excited when he's made captain of his own boat. But Millie wants money and excitement--and essentially throws him out unless he makes more money by smuggling alcohol during Prohibition. As for Larry...he gives her what she wants but their marriage is on the rocks. What's next?

The biggest shock in this film wasn't that Tryon became a rum runner but seeing Walter Long in a suit and playing a businessman. Usually, he played brutish, coarse guys...and this was a nice change of pace. Overall, a decent story and a nice collection of character actors but the ending and the wife's sudden change of heart seemed weak, at best.

By the way, in a very shocking scene, Dent's character slugs his wife in the mouth...and it looks very real! My how times have changed!!