Wealthy Manhattan widow Virginia Field (as Jo Ainsley) finds it difficult to hold onto attractive attorney Ray Milland (as Bradford "Brad" Cavanaugh) after pretty Paulette Goddard (as Toni Gerard) arrives from a Texas hog town. Both women seek help from fortune telling Gladys George (as Madame Zenobia). "The Crystal Ball" helps Ms. Goddard make the best impression in this light but charming comedy. She does take a bow in one of those 1940s "women's lingerie" scenes. The film should have started with a scene establishing Goddard as the central character, which eventually becomes the case. She receives good support from the aforementioned, plus Cecil Kellaway (as Pop Tibbets) and Peter Jamerson (as Leonard) at the shooting gallery. Playing Mr. Milland's valet, William Bendix (as Biff Carter) is also fun.
****** The Crystal Ball (1/22/43) Elliott Nugent ~ Paulette Goddard, Ray Milland, Gladys George, Virginia Field
****** The Crystal Ball (1/22/43) Elliott Nugent ~ Paulette Goddard, Ray Milland, Gladys George, Virginia Field