Sky Murder

Funny, back in the 30s, 40s and into the 50s the B picture was still a feature that was many times better that the A feature. Not the case here, except for Walter Pidgeon the rest of the actors can't pull off a lousy script. Typical "5th column" stuff from just before the war, I think it was to get the US ready for war with Germany. I understand this purpose but couldn't the studio generated a more realist script? As this was the last Nick Cannon film, I guess they decided to skip a script and get something out. I am watching the film as I type this, fortunately the credits are rolling now and I can turn off this turkey. As my summary says, Mr. Tritten review was Right On.

With all the talent on hand at MGM in 1940, it's difficult to account for the failure of the Nick Carter films to succeed as mysteries or farce; the plots make no sense, the master of detection shows no discernible mastery of anything, and it's rare that any of the characters rise above level of caricature. Sky Murder is no exception. The most one can say in praise of this entry is that it has nice sets, a stellar turn by Dorothy Tree doing her thing as a Nazi spy, and a couple of nice looking bit players. Otherwise not much to recommend it, other than as a production based on a total contempt for the audience. Skip it!

As a rule, I enjoy the detective films made back in the 30s and 40s. But this film is punishing. The character played by Joyce Compton is especially annoying. How Walter Pigeon could be interested in her is beyond me. The only plus was the chance to spot all the bit players who populated the film. If this was considered the best of the series, I have no desire to see the others. I'm sure Tom Conway was delighted that his role was so short, and Edward Ashley couldn't muster any real enthusiasm for his part either. My 2 was generous!

Fifth columnists are spreading treasonous pamphlets. Policemen inform Senator Monrose who wants reluctant private detective Nick Carter to investigate. He is joined by Beeswax Bartholomew who is eager for any investigating whether Nick wants it or not. Nick joins a group of party goers on a plane where a murder occurs. Beeswax gets more ridiculous. He's the weird difference which makes this franchise uniquely fun. He seems to have gotten sillier this time around and this third installment is better for it. He makes this fun whenever he's on the screen. Quite frankly, that's my complaint. He's not in the movie enough. He should be at Nick's side at all times. I even take back my earlier complaint about the bees. It is so stupid that it's great.

Walter Pidgeon played Nick Carter, detective, in only three films from 1939 - 1940. Sky Murder was the last of the series and it is a real bomb. Walter himself is not too bad, but the rest of the cast does very little to deliver a film that is worth watching today. There are lots of detective sidekicks, but Walter Meek's portrayal of "Beeswax" Batholomew is simply annoying. Fortunately Tom Conway is not on screen long enough to warrant serious criticism. The plot involves fifth columnists, damsels in distress, and the interference of a female private detective that should have been left on the cutting room floor. A critical car chase suffers from continuity problems. Most of the gags fall flat. A murder does take place in the sky and by the time we see the solution, it is hard to care. Not worth your time.

This film is a real treat! People expect a major "film noir" edge and that was not the intent here! Whine all you want but this is for fun! One "critic" said it was fit for "eight year old boys". I disagree. It's witty, fast paced, well acted and directed! Perhaps some of these armchair Siskel and Eiberts should watch a similar film made a year later at Warner's, called "All Through the Night" with Bogie! A humorous spin on fifth columnists at work in the US. I find Donald Meek to be a real riot here. A goof who was remarkably resourceful. 1940 was a tumultuous time in the US, what with the war raging for a year in Europe. A film like this, while avoiding the usual flag waving makes it's point in a humorous light! Pidgeon has Bill Powell's easy going nature as he slowly gets to the bottom of the plot. A pity there weren't more in the series with Pidgeon at the forefront. A great cast of character actors makes this a stand out! Don't miss it!