Yawn. Poorly Filmed Snooze Fest.

Let's be realistic.

As Good As It Gets

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

The problem with this movie is that things fall into place just a little too easily. For example, when one of the characters is hungry she opens a refrigerator and a body falls out. Too convenient.But, it is a fast moving sort of comedy-mystery, and as long as you don't expect too much from it, it can be a somewhat enjoyable diversion.This seems like a bit different role for Barbara Stanwyck, and she is rather good at light comedy. Same for Henry Fonda. There are character actors you'll recognize, though none play a particularly memorable role here. Even Hattie McDaniel -- just a year away from her historic role in GWTW -- is pretty tame here.This is another of those films that's worth one watch, but I doubt this will end up on your DVD shelf.

First, I avow that I am a Barbara Stanwyck fan. Secondly, I admit that I can tolerate Henry Fonda only in small doses. Together, they manage to make this film mediocre. The plot is predictable, and the dialog forgettable. Even the presence of Sam Levene, as the police lieutenant assigned to the 'case', is of little help in making this mish mosh work. He (Levene) played this same part many times in many movies during the thirties, and could have phoned this role in. In fact, I think he may have. The only bright spot, if there is one, would be Hattie McDaniel, as the maid of the rich, madcap (I hate that over used word!!) Miss Manton. Where Miss Manton obtained the money to live in the very lap of luxury is never explained. Alas, though, McDaniel is around for precious little of the footage. The rest of the supporting cast, as Miss Manton's débutante friends, are attractive, semi-talented and numerous. None of the names will ring any bells. Ah, but then again, maybe I'm just having a bad day...

Society deb Melsa Manton (Barbara Stanwyck) discovers a body late one night in a abandoned house. She goes to get the police but when they return the body is missing. The police don't believe her so Manton and her bunch of ditzy friends try and solve the murder mystery themselves. Reporter Peter Ames (Henry Fonda) immediately falls in love with Melsa (after hating her on sight) and helps them.Pretty unknown movie...and it's easy to see why! Stanwyck, a wonderful actress, is woefully miscast as Manton. Fonda hated doing this movie and it shows. He's stone-faced throughout. The movie has plenty of potential but the comedy is either stupid or unfunny. Also I found Melsa's bunch of friends incredibly annoying--they all act like idiots and they're constantly screaming at everything. The romance between Manton and Ames comes out of nowhere and isn't believable for one second. Pauline Kael once wrote that this was written by people who had too much time on their hands. How true! Halfway through I just turned it off in disgust--I was bored and sick of having my intelligence insulted. If you want to see a good movie with Stanwyck and Fonda see "The Lady Eve". This one is hopeless.

This is a delightful comedy/mystery, very much of its time, starring Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda. Stanwyck does a great job as a madcap socialite (though the title would have you think she's a crazy bag lady) who gets involved in a murder and with reporter Fonda. Miss Manton has a mouthy maid played by Hattie McDaniel (listed as McDaniels in the credits) and many girlfriends, all of whom are at her beck and call.Stanwyck's gift for comedy is apparent, and Manton was a perfect character for her - sophisticated, clever, and vulnerable. Fonda is very juvenile and ardent. They make a great pair.