There's Always A Woman

There's Always A Woman is an enduring and entertaining classic movie from 1938, directed by Alexander Hall and starring a trio of terrific talents: Joan Blondell, Melvyn Douglas, and Mary Astor. This preeminent example of the mystery-comedy genre cleverly balances intrigue and laughter, as Blondell and Douglas face marital ups and downs while dealing with a complex case.

Set in New York City during the 1930s, There's Always A Woman revolves around the intriguing world of detective work, made light-hearted due to the constant squabble between the main leads. Joan Blondell stars as Sally Reardon, a vivacious wife desperately trying to make her husband Bill's detective agency successful after he loses his public prosecutor job. Melvyn Douglas portrays Bill Reardon, a skilled but disheartened detective who is close to giving up his private detective agency. Mary Astor, playing the role of Lola Fraser, a wealthy woman who suspects her husband of infidelity, hires Bill unknowing that she's setting the stage for a whirlwind of mysteries, confusion, and hilarious misinterpretations.

As the plot unfurls, Bill decides to close his failing detective agency and return to his previous job at the district attorney’s office, while Sally, with an unquenchable zest for solving mysteries, decides to take on Lola’s case herself. Soon, one small case becomes a complex and convoluted mess of double-crossing characters, shifting allegiances, and surprise revelations.

At home, the Reardons switch roles and their domestic life turns topsy-turvy. Bill starts cooking dinners and caring for their home while Sally works late. This switch up changes the Reardon's traditional marital roles for comic effect, juxtaposing Sally’s intrepid sleuthing with Bill's comical attempts at domestic tasks. Their marital quarrels, far from creating a rancorous atmosphere, incite laughter as Bill gets caught in Sally's shadow, a man bested by his clever wife.

The supporting characters are used brilliantly to complicate the plot and keep it unpredictable. The cast includes Frances Drake as Anne Calhoun, Jerome Cowan as Walter Fraser, Robert Paige as Bobbley, Pierre Watkin as DA York, and Lester Matthews as Anthony. Every character, irrespective of the size of the role, adds a peculiar flavor and charm to both the crime and comedy aspects of the movie.

Blondell, known for her smart, sassy, and no-nonsense portrayals, does a phenomenal job as Sally. Her quick wit and sharp tongue, coupled with her energy and determination, give life to her character. Douglas, as her straight-laced, often bewildered husband, serves as a perfect foil, delivering his lines with dry, deadpan humor and excellent timing. Together, Blondell and Douglas make an irresistible pair, their comic timing and chemistry adding a wonderful vibrancy to the film. Mary Astor successfully portrays the role of the damsel not-so-in-distress. Her elegant portrayal brings the right degree of sophistication and mystery to the character.

The script, penned by Gladys Lehman, is filled with brisk dialogues and rapid-fire exchanges that keep the energy high throughout the film. The screenplay is a strategic mix of mystery and mirth that allows room for both suspense and humor, providing the audience with a unique, enjoyable viewing experience. Alexander Hall's direction aids in building suspense, while also ensuring the comedy-stems from character interactions and situation dynamics, rather than slapstick humor or caricaturistic portrayals, making the film feel grounded and more engaging.

Complemented by black and white cinematography that enhances the mystery and moodiness, and an unforgettable musical score, There's Always A Woman continues to captivate audiences. This movie offers a lighthearted take on the detective genre, blending humor, and crime, settled within the domestic life drama. Its screwball comedy elements, blended with an engaging mystery plot, make it a film worth visiting and revisiting.

In conclusion, There's Always A Woman with its charismatic leads, fluid dialogue, and unique treatment of the detective plot, is an inventive marital and mystery comedy that hasn’t lost its charm with time. Anyone who enjoys a mixture of crime, comedy, and charm should certainly give this 1938 classic a watch. The mystery will keep you guessing while the antics of Joan Blondell’s Sally Reardon will keep you entertained throughout.