All Over Town

All Over Town is a captivating classic comedy film first shown in 1937. Expertly directed by James W. Horne, the movie features comedy duo Ole Olsen and Chic Johnson, joined by the captivating Mary Howard.

Olsen and Johnson, known for their vaudevillian comedic stylings, are at the center of this film's plot. They play the roles of Olsen and Johnson, two theater owners who are thrust into an unexpected murder mystery. Surrounded by a cast of intriguing characters, they are enmeshed in a theater troupe's trials and tribulations that lead to suspenseful and humorously unfolding events.

The narrative showcases the duo's ability to be funny, clever, and even ludicrous at times, taking the viewers on a comedic roller coaster. Their comic timing and physical humor are key elements that carry the entire storyline. They blend seamlessly with the movie's more intense themes. In this sense, All Over Town is a unique melodrama that combines a murder mystery with the vaudeville tradition to create an enthralling viewing experience.

Ole Olsen and Chic Johnson portray slightly exaggerated versions of themselves in a manner that is both self-referential and accessible to a broad audience. They delight viewers with their antics on stage, showing the familiar rapport resulting from their long-term professional partnership.

As Crosset and Dunham, the theater owners, Olsen and Johnson’s off-stage and on-stage realities hilariously blur together. Their mission is to maintain their theater's operations, a task that becomes entangled with solving the murder that occurs within the troupe.

In contrast to the jovial duo, Mary Howard, who portrays Joan Eldridge, brings a charm to this whodunit film. A vaudeville actress herself in the movie, Joan is romantically involved with the theater owner, thus deeply entwined in the comedic and dramatic adventures. Howard’s character adds depth and intrigue to the plot, serving as a focal point in the narrative's dramatic and romantic subplots.

Director James W. Horne brings his grasp of the comedy genre to bear on All Over Town, helping to shape the film into a combination of light-hearted vaudeville entertainment and an intriguing murder mystery. The blend of screwball comedy, dramatic tension, and light-hearted romance is brought to life under Horne's keen direction. Furthermore, his understanding of Olsen and Johnson's unique comedic style allows the duo to showcase their best in an environment that enhances their performances.

The movie also boasts a strong supporting cast, including Harry Stockwell and D'Arcy Corrigan, as well as many talented performers of the era. Their contributions add layers to the plot, complementing the protagonists with their performances.

All Over Town pays tribute to the vaudeville era while adding suspenseful elements and a touch of romance, creating an engaging film experience. The movie serves as a platform for the comedy duo Olsen and Johnson to flaunt their comedic chemistry and timing, which are the main appeals of the movie. Their charm, coupled with Mary Howard's performance and a well-crafted plot, make this film an entertaining watch for classic comedy lovers.

Also noteworthy is the film's technical mastery for the time. The cinematography, set designs, costumes, and music all work in harmony to recreate the energetic atmosphere of a 1930s theater company, immersing viewers in a bygone era of live entertainment.

In essence, All Over Town is a delightful cinematic blend of mystery and comedy. The excellence of Olsen and Johnson's performances, coupled with an engaging plot and excellent direction, make this 1937 classic an enjoyable complexity of laugh-out-loud moments punctuated by surprising twists.