William Powell is "Private Detective 62" in this 1933 precode also starring Margaret Lindsay, Ruth Donnelly, and Gordon Westcott.
William Powell plays Donald, a government servant who is convicted of espionage in France and deported. He's shipbound for America when the French decide they want him back, probably for further investigation. He jumps ship and swims to shore.
It's the Depression, and with his conviction, it's doubly difficult for him to find work. However, when he goes to a detective's office looking for a job, he finds the detective, Dan Hogan (Arthur Hohl), fast asleep. He's then mistaken for Hogan, takes on a case, and finds himself in partnership with Hogan.
Hogan, however, works for a mobster, Tony Bandor (Westcott), and Don is sent out to get something really bad on a gambler, Janet Reynolds (Lindsay) who is owed $50,000 by Bandor. He doesn't want to pay. Don falls for her and quits. However, he learns that Bandor has been shot, and a Janet, believing she shot him, needs help.
Good film, with a terrific performance by Powell, who at first is attracted to some big money but develops a conscience. Powell is terrific in everything. The rest of the actors each do a fine job.
Recommended.
William Powell plays Donald, a government servant who is convicted of espionage in France and deported. He's shipbound for America when the French decide they want him back, probably for further investigation. He jumps ship and swims to shore.
It's the Depression, and with his conviction, it's doubly difficult for him to find work. However, when he goes to a detective's office looking for a job, he finds the detective, Dan Hogan (Arthur Hohl), fast asleep. He's then mistaken for Hogan, takes on a case, and finds himself in partnership with Hogan.
Hogan, however, works for a mobster, Tony Bandor (Westcott), and Don is sent out to get something really bad on a gambler, Janet Reynolds (Lindsay) who is owed $50,000 by Bandor. He doesn't want to pay. Don falls for her and quits. However, he learns that Bandor has been shot, and a Janet, believing she shot him, needs help.
Good film, with a terrific performance by Powell, who at first is attracted to some big money but develops a conscience. Powell is terrific in everything. The rest of the actors each do a fine job.
Recommended.