A Slight Case of Murder

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A Slight Case of Murder

Released Feb 26, 1938

1h 25m

Comedy

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67%

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6 Reviews

76%

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250+ Ratings

With the end of Prohibition, hapless bootlegger Remy Marco (Edward G. Robinson) has decided to call it quits and become a law-abiding citizen. Years later, as his legitimate beer business and his marriage are simultaneously crumbling, he discovers four dead mobsters in his upstate New York home. Unfortunately that's the least of his troubles -- which include a rattail-wearing orphan that his wife (Jane Bryan) has taken in, and his daughter's boyfriend, who is a cop.

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Otis Ferguson

The New Republic

There has been an idea going around that A Slight Case of Murder is a comedy (which it may be if comedy means a story of farce complexion with laughs coming at you from way down the track like a freight in a nightmare).

Dec 26, 2023

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John Kinloch

California Eagle

The whole affair, which easily might have been rather gruesome, is gotten off with just the right light-comedy air.

Oct 30, 2019

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Ann Ross

Maclean's Magazine

Author [Damon] Runyon is at his best in A Slight Case of Murder.

Aug 5, 2019

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Outdated mildly amusing black comedy that spoofs the gangster film.

Rated: C+

Sep 16, 2008

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Christopher Null

Filmcritic.com

Rated: 4/5

Oct 28, 2006

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John J. Puccio

Movie Metropolis

It works as a parody of old gangster movies; it works as a screwball comedy of the era; and it remains as funny today as when it was made.

Rated: 7/10

Jul 5, 2006

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Audience Member

Edward G. Robinson is in top form in this comedy about a gangster turned Brewery owner after the repeal of Prohibition. It's pretty much a screwball comedy (common in this period) and the entire cast is excellent but it's Robinson who really makes the film.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/25/24

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David K

Great crew of the Warner's team - Ruth Donnelly, Allen Jenkins, Edward Brophy et. al. - complementing the great Edward G. Robinson in a comedic spin on his gangster roles. Not the side-splitting humor it's made out to be, but very funny still. Definitely worth the 1.5 hours to watch it and feel a little better in a way that only a good comedy can pick you up!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/07/23

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Russ

Edward G. Robinson, Ed Brophy, and them other mugs in a send up of the 30's cops'n'robbers shoot-em-up. A quite entertaining 85 minutes.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/01/23

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Audience Member

One of the best comedies I have ever seen. There isn't a lame line in the entire show. Of course Edward G Robinson was the perfect misunderstood (and not too bright) villain. Ruth Donnelly as Marco's wife was a scream. And the cast of misfit mob sidekicks was perfect. So glad I didn't miss this gem.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

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ashley h

A Slight Case of Murder is a decent film. It is about a former bootlegger Remy Marco who has a slight problem with forclosing bankers, a prospective son-in-law, and four hard-to-explain corpses. Edward G. Robinson and Jane Bryan give okay performances. The screenplay is a little slow in places. Lloyd Bacon did an alright job directing this movie. I liked this motion picture because of the humor.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Frances H

Cute and very Runyanesque, with Edward G. doing what he does best--his gangster character.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/15/20

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Lloyd Bacon

Director

Edward G. Robinson

Remy Marco

Jane Bryan

Mary Marco

Allen Jenkins

Mike

Willard Parker

Dick Whitewood

Ruth Donnelly

Nora Marco

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Synopsis

With the end of Prohibition, hapless bootlegger Remy Marco (Edward G. Robinson) has decided to call it quits and become a law-abiding citizen. Years later, as his legitimate beer business and his marriage are simultaneously crumbling, he discovers four dead mobsters in his upstate New York home. Unfortunately that's the least of his troubles -- which include a rattail-wearing orphan that his wife (Jane Bryan) has taken in, and his daughter's boyfriend, who is a cop.

Director: Lloyd Bacon
Producer: Hal B. Wallis
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Warner Brothers/Seven Arts
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 26, 1938, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 1, 2014
Runtime: 1h 25m

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