‘The Gracie Allen Murder Case’ Blu-ray Review
Stars: Gracie Allen, Warren William, Ellen Drew, Kent Taylor, Judith Barrett, Donald MacBride, Jed Prouty, Jerome Cowan | Written by Nat Perrin | Directed by Alfred E. Green
When you hear the name Gracie Allen, most people think of the comedy team George Burns and Gracie Allen. Their TV episodes are legendary! Before marrying George Burns, Allen made a career as a comedian in vaudeville and radio. George and Gracie would star in many films together in the 1930s. But at the end of the decade, in 1939, Gracie Allen would star in her own feature film, perfectly titled The Gracie Allen Murder Case. Now Kino Lorber has released this comedy mystery film on Blu-ray.
Super-sleuth Philo Vance (Warren William, Cecil B. DeMiIle’s Cleopatra) faces the zaniest case of his career when Gracie Allen “helps” him try to solve the murder of an escaped convict. As she attempts to clear the name of a friend accused of the killing, her wacky, scatterbrained ways constantly impede the investigation.
The story is genuinely engaging, with Gracie Allen delivering laugh-out-loud brilliance throughout. The entire cast is on top form, each performance adding to the film’s rapid-fire comedic energy. From start to finish, you’re hit with an almost non-stop barrage of jokes and gags, coming so thick and fast that there’s barely a moment to catch your breath. It’s endlessly funny and, above all, an absolute joy to watch.
Kino Lorber brings the film to Blu-ray in 1080p, presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing are also included. Watching the film on Blu-ray is an absolute treat. While streaming or TV broadcasts don’t always do the film justice, there are no such concerns here. The image is crisp and clean, the audio is clear and well-balanced, and the black-and-white photography truly shines in high definition.
In addition to a great-looking transfer, Kino Lorber added a new Audio Commentary by film historian Bernie Prokop – and the insight brought to the viewer in this commentary is nice and definitely one you will want to hear.
***** 5/5
If you love the comedy of Gracie Allen as much as I do, well, this new Blu-ray of The Gracie Allen Murder Case is a must-own. Head over to Amazon and order one for your collection today!
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