IMDb RATING
6.9/10
2.2K
YOUR RATING
A wealthy mystery writer uses her doctor ex-husband's non-payment of alimony to coerce him into a reconciliation.A wealthy mystery writer uses her doctor ex-husband's non-payment of alimony to coerce him into a reconciliation.A wealthy mystery writer uses her doctor ex-husband's non-payment of alimony to coerce him into a reconciliation.
Johnny Arthur
- Mr. Frankenstein
- (uncredited)
Stanley Blystone
- Police Radio Operator
- (uncredited)
Tom Brower
- Police Sergeant
- (uncredited)
Spencer Charters
- Dr. Bunting
- (uncredited)
Frankie Darro
- Spike Salisbury
- (uncredited)
John Dilson
- Analyst Examining Gelatin Capsule
- (uncredited)
James Donlan
- Taxi Driver
- (uncredited)
Paul Fix
- Lou Pender
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe last movie directed by Stephen Roberts. He died shortly after the release of this film.
- GoofsThe bite of a black widow spider is painful but rarely fatal.
- Quotes
Dr. Lawrence Bradford: What *is* a cocktail dress?
Paula Bradford: Something to spill cocktails on.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Maltin on Movies: Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)
- SoundtracksWedding March
(uncredited)
from "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
Music by Felix Mendelssohn
Arranged by Roy Webb
Featured review
The Thin Man .... with the wrong (ex) wife!
This movie was made the same year as the first Thin Man film, and it's another stylish black-and-white murder mystery starring the same leading man (William Powell), so comparisons are inevitable. Its script isn't nearly as strong as the best of the Thin Man flicks, but if you're a big TM fan, this film can ALMOST feel like an extra entry in the series -- except that the fabulous Myrna Loy is nowhere in sight.
Powell is just as polished here as he is in the Thin Man movies (though seeing him perform a chaste autopsy reminds you that he's playing a doctor, not Nick Charles), and he's well paired with Jean Arthur playing the titular ex-wife, who's bucking for a reconciliation with her reluctant former hubby. Her Paula comes across as a slightly smarter Gracie Allen in an endless stream of gorgeous designer gowns, sparkling diamonds, and perky hats. (In fact, if you're paying close attention, you'll notice that she switches costumes at a couple of slightly inexplicable moments.)
The couple bickers well (but not at the break-neck pace of Powell and Loy), and there is a little bit of simmering sexual tension (but again, not in the same league as P&L).
A typical exchange: Paula: She was wearing a cocktail dress. Bradford: What's a cocktail dress? Paula: (with a kooky smile) Something to spill cocktails on! Bradford: (deadpan) That sounds reasonable.
It feels like the writer couldn't quite decide if he wanted to present a relationship-driven comedy or a thrilling drama, and the undeniably talented actors seem equally confused at times. Still, it's ultimately an enjoyable film of its type (though what "type" that exactly is, is open to debate), and if you enjoy golden oldies -- and especially if you're fond of the two leads -- you won't be disappointed.
Powell is just as polished here as he is in the Thin Man movies (though seeing him perform a chaste autopsy reminds you that he's playing a doctor, not Nick Charles), and he's well paired with Jean Arthur playing the titular ex-wife, who's bucking for a reconciliation with her reluctant former hubby. Her Paula comes across as a slightly smarter Gracie Allen in an endless stream of gorgeous designer gowns, sparkling diamonds, and perky hats. (In fact, if you're paying close attention, you'll notice that she switches costumes at a couple of slightly inexplicable moments.)
The couple bickers well (but not at the break-neck pace of Powell and Loy), and there is a little bit of simmering sexual tension (but again, not in the same league as P&L).
A typical exchange: Paula: She was wearing a cocktail dress. Bradford: What's a cocktail dress? Paula: (with a kooky smile) Something to spill cocktails on! Bradford: (deadpan) That sounds reasonable.
It feels like the writer couldn't quite decide if he wanted to present a relationship-driven comedy or a thrilling drama, and the undeniably talented actors seem equally confused at times. Still, it's ultimately an enjoyable film of its type (though what "type" that exactly is, is open to debate), and if you enjoy golden oldies -- and especially if you're fond of the two leads -- you won't be disappointed.
helpful•246
- CraigHamrick
- Apr 25, 2005
- How long is The Ex-Mrs. Bradford?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $369,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 22 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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