One Body Too Many

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Stephen A Vintage Laughter, Sleuths, and Trench Coat Shenanigans! In a cinematic era saturated with gumshoes, femme fatales, and enough trench coats to rival a department store's winter collection, "One Body Too Many" emerges as a gem, albeit one polished with the finesse of a vaudevillian's punchline. Set against the backdrop of a will reading – the epitome of glamour, intrigue, and the occasional dust bunny – this 1944 comedy thriller is a delightful escapade into the art of inheritances and hilariously morbid misunderstandings. The plot, while comfortably nestled in the bosom of the stereotypical, unfolds with a comedic finesse that rivals a masterful chef whipping up a soufflé. An unexpected guest waltzes in just as the potential heirs are gearing up to outdo each other in a financial grab-fest. The mystery is kept as mysterious as a magician's secrets, and you're not overly concerned that this film is less than Hitchcock because it's more about the ha-ha. The comedy, my dear reader, is the pièce de résistance. Sharp and witty like a well-honed blade, it outshines the diluted humour of today's offerings. There's no crass language here, just good old-fashioned wordplay, slapstick, and visual gags that make you snicker without resorting to the comedic equivalent of a sledgehammer. It's a delicious breath of fresh air in a modern world where humour often seems synonymous with vulgarity. The direction, a relic from when movie cameras weighed more than your grandma's antique wardrobe, exudes class. The setup scenes are a visual feast, smooth pans efficiently create a dance of effortless elegance, and the lighting is practically a supporting character. Sadly, the film stumbles slightly with its single tempo – a varied rhythm might have elevated the comedic beats and intensified the suspenseful moments. The cast, a motley crew of characters, delivers a top-notch performance. Jack Haley, trading in his Tin Man gear for the role of a bumbling yet witty insurance salesman, is a delight: An honourable mention to Professor Hilton, portrayed with impeccable charm by William Edmunds. Even the ever-enigmatic Bela Lugosi manages to steal scenes as the charismatic butler despite being a secondary role. For those craving a generous dose of good-natured hilarity, "One Body Too Many" is the prescription. It's the kind of film that makes you chuckle over your leisurely breakfast, setting the tone for a pleasant weekend of fun. A classic that amply proves, sometimes, the best humour doesn't need an expletive-laden punchline – it merely requires a decent plot, a dash of wry wit, and perhaps one body too many. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 11/11/23 Full Review Audience Member Jack character is undoubtedly lacking courage in this creepy comedy flick. It's a decent enough script with quality editing and some great close-ups. Besides Lugosi there is a strong cast throughout. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review Audience Member This dark film needed more Lugosi. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Audience Member This must have been terribly old-fashioned even in its day. It's got a couple odd Wizard of Oz references and a kind of funny running joke for Lugosi. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member A spooky and charming, worthwhile horror-comedy with some cool, gothic imagery and a very funny performance from Jack Haley. However, masterful character actor Bela Lugosi felt a little underused. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Audience Member A Poor Man's Cat & The Canary - Yet Still Hilarious--Pleasant Surprise!! Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Read all reviews

One Body Too Many

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