The Nitwits

The Nitwits, made in 1935, is a delightful Golden Age Hollywood laughter-fest that stars the iconic American comedy duo, Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey. The pair were celebrated for their engaging stage presence and rapport, making the most of an era defined by vaudeville shows and the early years of cinematic comedy.

Wheeler and Woolsey play two memorable characters in The Nitwits - Johnny, a magnanimous cigar-stand attendant played by Wheeler, and Newton, a ludicrous, aspiring sleuth played by Woolsey. Wheeler’s character is fashioned around his typical role of an optimistic, naive simpleton, while Woolsey is the sharp-witted, outgoing one. Together, they create a charming chemistry that successfully carries the movie’s plot.

The story is set in motion when the manager of a Broadway music store is murdered, prompting a citywide manhunt for the killer. Despite being a tag-along character at first, Wheeler's character, Johnny, ends up playing a key role in the hunt when his girlfriend, Mary Roberts (played by the young and stunning Betty Grable), becomes the primary suspect. Johnny, in a bid to prove Mary's innocence, steps up to investigate the murder, dragging along his friend and partner in comedy, Newton, who incidentally is infatuated with detective novels.

The plot is made even more interesting as the duo finds itself pitted against a fraudulent radio personality, Blackstone 'The Great Man' (Erik Rhodes), adding a touch of humor to the mystery. The movie integrates a classic detective narrative with the daring rescue plan by a pair of unsuspecting heroes, thereby setting the stage for hilarity and suspense in equal parts.

Betty Grable, who was just starting out in her career at the time, does a commendable job as the lead female character passionately caught in the crossfire of the murder mystery. She showed sparks of the vibrant screen presence that would later make her a leading starlet of her time.

The humor in The Nitwits comes in different varieties, from slapstick comedy to clever verbal exchanges. The comedic timing of Wheeler and Woolsey strikes a perfect balance with the suspenseful elements of the plot, leading to moments that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats even while they are laughing.

Defining characteristics of The Nitwits include its indulgence in ridiculous situations that arise from the comedic duo’s haphazard techniques to solve the mystery. The pair’s lack of detective knowledge, combined with their unwavering determination, propels the film forward, resulting in endearing chaos and confusion.

Despite its comic overtones, The Nitwits is undeniably a film echoing the sentiment of the murder mystery genre. The sets and lighting often evoke a mood of suspense, adding to the murder-mystery ambiance of the atmosphere. The film combines dramatic shot techniques with lively performances and rhythmic pacing to bring the unsuspecting plot to life.

Directed by George Stevens (who later went on to direct classics such as 'Giant' and 'Shane'), The Nitwits is a testament to Stevens' versatility as a filmmaker, his ability to handle contrasting genres successfully, and his creative vision in using comedy as a tool to unravel a murder mystery.

Overall, The Nitwits is a smart, entertaining, and engaging film that successfully combines the elements of a murder mystery with crisp comedy. The performances by Wheeler and Woolsey cement their status as one of the great comedic duos in the history of American cinema. The film not only relies on laughter but also involves engaging storytelling that keeps the viewers invested in the narrative all the way through.

Whether it’s for the remarkable performances, the innovative plot, or simply the winsome pairing of Wheeler and Woolsey, The Nitwits is indeed worth watching. The film finds success in its ability to keep audiences amused while simultaneously keeping them invested in a murder mystery at a level that very few Golden Age films manage to achieve.