Una notte d'oblio

This is worth seeing for the delightful performance of Constance Cummings, an unheralded actress whose film career is only fitfully recognized (mostly from her outstanding work in 'Blithe Spirit' and 'Battle of the Sexes'). But this is a Constance from many years before those films, younger and prettier and just as full of life. Not that this film is a classic by any means. Robert Young is fine, but Edward Arnold snarls through his role as Young's detective buddy, and Arthur Treacher spends his entire time coming in and out of scenes repeating, with a muttering disdain, other characters' lines of dialogue. Funny the first couple of times but he never stops. And Ed Brophy has done his obtuse sidekick routine one too many times. Getting past the blackface bit and the alcoholic haze, both of which were acceptable back then, this film does have a 'Thin Man' charm at times. Regardless, I'm a fan of Constance Cummings after this film.