Who Done It?

Who Done It? is a classic detective comedy from 1942. It combines a riveting mystery plot with the comedic brilliance of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, who were among the most beloved comic duos in Hollywood during the Golden Age of Cinema. Abbott and Costello's timeless chemistry is beautifully blended with the fast-paced narrative, adding an element of light-hearted humor to the otherwise intense suspense thriller genre.

Set against the bustling backdrop of a radio recording studio, the film stirs into motion with the murder of a show broadcaster during a live performance. Enter Chick Larkin (Bud Abbott) and Mervyn Milgrim (Lou Costello), two soda jerks with aspirations to become great mystery writers. Fortuitously, they are visiting, or rather sneaking into, the radio station while awaiting their big break. Chick and Mervyn witness the murder and, seeing it as an opportunity to try their hand at live detective fiction, decide to step up and solve the case themselves.

The duo is anything but seasoned sleuths. Still, their curiosity and excitement override their lack of experience, and they begin piecing together the troublesome puzzle. Abbott and Costello bring their signature slapstick humor and rapid-fire dialogue to the screen as they fumble their way through the investigation, routinely confusing the facts, but amusingly progressing the case nonetheless. Abbott plays the more level-headed straight man to Costello's gullible, easily spooked clown, creating a dynamic that's as humorous as it is compelling.

In addition to the comedic investigation, there is an undertow of romantic storyline weaved into the narrative featuring the alluring radio scriptwriter Juliet Collins (Patric Knowles). This subplot includes a love triangle involving our charming, though slightly naive investigator, Mervyn, who is instantly smitten with Juliet and the suave network executive who also has eyes for the talented scriptwriter.

Director Erie C. Kenton, known for his many Universal's horror classics, shows his deft touch at mixing elements from different genres. Despite being a murder mystery at its core, the director skillfully injects comedy, adventure, romance, and even a dash of musical performance into the film. The clever screenplay penned by Stanley Roberts, Edmund Joseph, and John Grant offers the perfect foundation for Abbott and Costello to deliver their comedy, resulting in many laugh-out-loud moments.

The ace supporting cast adds depth to the film, with many regulars from Universal's repertoire. The beautiful Mary Wickes excels in her role as the no-nonsense secretary, showcasing her usual comedic timing. William Gargan as Detective Brannigan, the actual police detective trying to solve the murder, gives an outstanding performance, emanating a sense of professionalism that is both contrasted and complimented by the amateurish antics of Abbott and Costello.

The movie strikes a unique balance within the setting of a radio station, offering a peek into the behind-the-scenes operations of a 1940s radio show. The authentic atmospherics offer a feeling of nostalgia, with the intense sound effects, live orchestras, and dramatic script readings taking the viewers on a charming journey back in time.

Though the comedy takes center stage in Who Done It?, the murder mystery also holds its own. The narrative successfully maintains a sense of intrigue throughout, with many twists and turns keeping the viewers guessing. At times, it seems as though the movie might veer dangerously into predictability, but always manages to pull the wool over viewers' eyes with clever and unexpected plot twists.

Captivating and humorous, Who Done It? is sure to please fans of both classic cinema and comedy. The comedic rapport between Abbott and Costello is a delight to experience, their rapid wit and slapstick humor filling each frame with laughter. Additionally, the gripping plot, compelling characters, and nostalgic setting make the movie an engrossing watch for sleuths and history buffs alike. As Abbott and Costello scout the hallways for clues and blunder their way to the truth, Who Done It? build suspense and hilarity in equal measure, catering to the audience's taste for humor and mystery.