It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

Watching it is like watching the spectacle of a class clown at their best: you laugh at their jokes, instigate their defiance, and "ooooh" when they get in trouble.

Thoroughly enjoyed this one which was even better due to the stellar presence of William Powell. Apart from the fact that he adds immeasurably to any film he's in, this one has an especially good plot with no lulls in the narrative. Here he is part con man, part ladies man and part quick-witted private eye., just the type of part Powell excels in.The film sports an excellent director in Michael Curtiz (10 years before "Casablanca"), who gets a lot of mileage out of a supporting cast of proven Hollywood veterans. The script is first class and the screenplay has enough twists and surprises to satisfy even the most jaded movie-goer. I also added an extra star for William Powell's presence because he never disappoints.8/10 - the website no longer prints my start rating.

Despite the title, this is not a genre movie. There are elements of a whodunit, straight melodrama, and businessman shenanigans, but the results don't easily fall into any category. What appeal the movie does have comes, in my view, from Powell and some good plot twists.So how is Don Free (Powell) going to make a living now that he's been cashiered from the diplomatic service. After all, it is 1933 and jobs of any kind are hard to come by. Some of the movie's best parts manage to convey this sense of an economically depressed time. Anyhow, for Don, there's always a need for private detectives since there's always a need to get the goods on somebody or something. So he fast- talks his way into an agency partnership with an unscrupulous associate, and that's when the trouble begins.Powell's his usual slick self, but without an opportunity for his amusing Thin Man tongue-in- cheek. Shot in just 21 days, the erratic script sometimes shows (follow Janet's path, if you can). Nonetheless, ace studio director Mike Curtiz blends tricky plot elements in smooth fashion so that it's hard to notice. Note, however, the fleeting reference to "snow" (heroin) and "hophead". This is a pre-Code production, while such references to hard drugs would disappear from mainstream movies for several decades. Speaking of hopheads, I'm still wondering if James Bell's Whitey is supposed to be a dash of comic relief or suffering ill effects of his addiction. Either way, it's the movie's only actor's blemish, at least in my opinion. No, the movie's nothing special, except for the compelling Powell who would soon get to show his full range of talents in the delicious Thin Man series.

There is just Something about Pre-Code Films (1930-34). In this one there are Only a Few Blatant Examples. A Shot or Two of some Very Tame Female Flesh and a Cocaine Addicted Fall Guy Referred to as a Snowbird and is told to Lay Off the Snow. Maybe some Other Vagueries having to do with some Dark Attitudes about Detective Procedures like Framing and Peeping. The Alcohol and Gambling Stuff is Rather Routine.So other than the Pre-Code Attraction there is William Powell in Another Charming, Effortless Outing as, once again, a Private Eye. There are some Typical Touches of Expressionism by Director Michael Curtiz and Margaret Lindsay with Full Face Beauty and a Shape to Match is Forever Watchable.Overall, this One does not Stand Out Much but is an Entertaining Peek at some Depression Era Atmosphere and as is So Often the Case with Films of this Era Delivers a Lot to Look At in a Very Short Running Time (just over an hour).

Private Detective 62 (1933) ** (out of 4) Rather strange who-done-it has William Powell deported from France but he ends up in American unable to get work due to his reputation and the Depression. He finally catches on at a low rent firm where he gets involved with a woman (Margaret Lindsay), which leads to a murder that he must solve. Coming from director Curtiz I was left really disappointed by this film, which lacks any real mystery or comedy. Powell does as much as he can with his role and brings the only charm that the film has going for it. Powell is nice but the screenplay doesn't give him too much to do and what he does get into isn't that interesting. Lindsay is rather bland in her role and Ruth Donnelly doesn't get any laughs. The entire mystery towards the end is very slow going and boring.