Private Eyes

source: Private Eyes

Moviecut—Private Eyes

Private Eyes

This Bowery Boys "comedy" seems all set to revisit gags from earlier episodes, such as Sach's conk-on-the-head routines, but fortunately that gag at least doesn't get off the ground. Nevertheless, Huntz Hall makes the most of an opportunity to perform a Charley's Aunt impersonation. The direction by Edward Bernds is dull in the extreme, and that certainly doesn't help ignite interest either! On the other hand, the cast is large – although our heroine, Joyce Holden, looks surprisingly wan – and the fact is that only William "Bill" Phillips makes any lasting impression. But the chase sequences through the long corridors of the health sanatorium are mildly amusing and feature some adept stunt-work by a comedian in a wheel chair. So, if you groove on the Bowery Boys, you'll probably half-enjoy this one!

Private Eyes is exactly the next line of business that Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall find for themselves in their never ending search for careers. One of these days they'll find success. Chick Chandler who has to leave town abruptly sells them his detective agency which is now available. Seems like a perfect fit because Huntz Hall after getting a whack on the noggin has the ability to read minds. It comes and goes though with each blow and the way he aggravates Gorcey, Leo has to keep his temper in check. The usual clichés about private eye films is found in Private Eyes, but this one doesn't quite jell. A lot of Abbott&Costello material recycled and the climax which is in an insane asylum comes right out of the Bob Hope classic, My Favorite Brunette.