Produced on an expensive budget by Ralph Wheelwright for M-G-M, with beautiful photography by Karl Freund and gorgeous sets by Wade Rubottom, this screenplay by Leslie Charteris and Ethel Hill is as thrilling, fast-paced and full of surprising twists as any "Saint" novel. It's well directed too – by none other than Jules Rififi Dassin. Admittedly, this pic doesn't quite have the flair of Dassin's later work. For example, I'm sure the more experienced Dassin would have used a low angle in the mardi gras shots rather than the high angle he employs here. However, I have no complaints against the skillful film editing, or against the players. In fact, Lucille Ball delivers an excellent performance – and never looked lovelier. Available on an excellent Warner Archive DVD.
Review of Two Smart People
