A Slight Case of Murder (1938)

Edward G. Robinson, Ruth Donnelly, Jane Bryan

Directed by Lloyd Bacon

Available to stream on Prime Video

Rick's next pick is a light-hearted comical spoof of classic gangster films -- A Slight Case of Murder.

When Prohibition is repealed, former bootlegger Remy Marko (Edward G. Robinson), who doesn’t even drink beer, converts his operation into a legal brewery that continues to produce bad Prohibition-era beer, resulting in near-bankruptcy and hilarious comedy.

Edward G. Robinson and fellow gangsters in "A Slight Case of Murder"

Why Rick loves it: ·     

• Edward G. Robinson, known for gangster roles, particularly in Little Caesar (1931), goes completely against type in this comedy, making fun of himself and his gangster persona. He shows an altogether different side of his acting skill.

  
  

• The entire cast is priceless. Many of the actors were known to audiences of the time for playing straight roles—several were in The Thin Man (1934) for example. Here they show great comic timing and facial expressions, delivering the well-written script perfectly.

  
  

• Actress Ruth Donnelly, who plays Robinson’s wife, is exceptionally good. She is a commanding presence in every scene she is in. Her attempts to act cultured and speak with a cultured accent are truly funny.

  
  

• Watch for Douglas Fairbanks Rosenbloom, an orphan Marko brings to his summer home to improve and “mold.”

Edward G. Robinson as Remy Marko and Bobby Jordan as Douglas Fairbanks Rosenbloom

Fun Facts:

• Jane Bryan, the actress who plays the Markos' daughter, was discovered as a teenager by Bette Davis and groomed by the studio to be a star. Her acting career only lasted 4 years, though. She retired to marry an entrepreneur who became head of the Rexall Drug company. They were married until he died more than 40 years later.

  
  

• Marko’s last name is seen many times during the film spelled with a “k” —on the brewery sign, his office door, and his mailbox. However in the closing credits it is spelled “Marco.”

  
  

• Most people in the film call Robinson’s character “Remy,” his first name. He always refers to himself in the third person as “Marko.”

Review from "Silver Screen" 1938

For more reviews from the time, go to the Fan Magazine Reviews page.

Featured Cocktail:

Brooklyn

Like their namesake New York boroughs, the Brooklyn and Manhattan cocktails are closely related rivals. Dating to 1908, the Brooklyn fell out of favor, probably because Amer Picon is so difficult to find in the US. Angostura or orange bitters make a suitable substitute and an interesting drink.

2 oz (60 ml) rye

1 oz (30 ml) dry vermouth

1/4 oz (7.5 ml) maraschino liqueur

1/4 oz (7.5 ml) Amer Picon or 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Stir ingredients with ice in a mixing glass until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add Luxardo maraschino cherry garnish.

Cheers to the Classics!