Stanley Davis Movies

Bearing little relation to the hit Broadway play on which it was based, See My Lawyer was the last and least of Olsen and Johnson's starring vehicles for Universal. The zany Hellzapoppin stars play a couple of nightclub entertainers who want to break their contract with proprietor R. J. Wagenhorn (Franklin Pangborn), but business is so good that Wagenhorn refuses. As a means to force Wagenhorn to let them out, and to simultaneously drum up business for a trio of struggling lawyers (Noah Beery Jr., Alan Curtis and Richard Benedict), O & J go on a comic rampage, insulting and humiliating nightclub customers left and right. As a result, Wagenhorn is slapped with 39 lawsuits, which he gleefully signs over to Olsen and Johnson as part of his contract-breaking deal. The boys manage to settle 38 of the lawsuits with a minimum of muss and fuss, but the last claimant, Otis Fillmore (Edward S. Brophy), intends to take the comedians for every penny they have. After a riotous courtroom trial, the judge moves the defendants, plaintiffs and jurors to the nightclub itself, vowing to render his decision as soon as he's seen the nightly floor show. This silly plot device is merely an excuse to showcase an unending stream of specialty acts, including the King Cole Trio (dressed as cooks!) Outside of a few good gags (Olsen & Johnson driving their car into a hotel lobby, Otis Fillmore swaying the jury by having his gray-haired mother provide testimony while accompanied by a violinist), See My Lawyer is a disappointment, affording Olsen & Johnson precious little screen time to perform their own special brand of comic lunacy. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Set in a brooding old home, this musical mystery chronicles the endeavors of a young couple attempt to solve a mysterious murder that occurred there. The victim was the first husband of the new bride. The groom was the victim's best friend. After the murder, the house was abandoned and rumors abounded that the place was haunted. The couple are determined to quell the rumors and solve the mystery themselves while holding a housewarming party. Unfortunately, soon after the guests arrive, the murders begin. Murder in the Blue Room was filmed twice before as The Missing Guest and Secret of the Blue Room. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

This musical comedy stars radio star Al Pearce has a double role playing himself and Elmer Blurt, the leader of a small-town band that struggles toward stardom in the big city. Their journey begins when Elmer decides to eject their female singer because she isn't really right. Unfortunately, her angry father is their sponsor and when he finds out, he withdraws all support. Fortunately, an aspiring singer learns of the band's plight and decides to pay for them to hit the Big Apple, but only on the condition that she become the new singer. Thanks to a successful radio performance, the band gets a lucrative gig at a major nightclub. Songs include "Straighten Up and Fly Right," "Don't Be Afraid to Tell Your Mother," "Hitch Old Dobbin to the Shag Again" and "Put on Your Old Grey Bonnet." ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi