Slight Case of Murder

Slight Case of Murder is a unique, captivating film from 1938 that marks an intriguing deviation for its lead actor, Edward G. Robinson. Known predominantly for his roles as hard-boiled gangsters and ruthless racketeers, Robinson extravagantly veers away from his typical characters, delivering a performance that perfectly fuses comedy, irony, and some residual stings of his signature gangster archetype.

In this film, Robinson plays Remy Marco, previously an influential figure in the underworld during Prohibition, now aspiring to become a legitimate businessman. Although the film's storyline revolves around murders, it ingeniously packages this sinister plot into a genuinely amusing tale that keeps viewers hooked, laughing, and guessing what's coming next. Robinson’s bewildering metamorphosis in character, combined with the droll script, gives the movie its humorous touch, often leading to some uproarious situations that reflect the genius behind the film's creation.

Robinson's character Remy Marco is a former beer baron who amassed wealth by running an illicit brewery during Prohibition. When Prohibition is repealed, Marco decides to have his beer legally distributed. However, the profit from legal business does not come as easily as he imagined. His beer, once the only choice, is now just one among many and, much to his dismay, it is far from being the top choice due to its poor quality. Thus, Marco's grand dreams of legitimizing his operations and integrating into high society start to falter.

The surrounding cast complements Robinson's adept performance by adding more comedy and unpredictability to the storyline. Marco's family life is characterized by his relations with his wife, Nora Marco, portrayed by Jane Bryan, and their adopted daughter, Mary Marco. Nora's aspiration for their family to live a respectable post-gangster life often leads to some comical and amusing scenarios. Their daughter, Mary, has her part of the story, including a love interest which further deepens the dimension of the plot.

Allen Jenkins co-stars as Robinson's loyal sidekick, and he plays an unforgettable part in this comedy crime masterpiece. Jenkins is a kind-hearted goon who tries his best to fit into his boss's new family-oriented lifestyle but often hits humorous obstacles due to his past. His performance brings additional charm and hilarity to the storyline with his atypical antics and one-liners.

Slight Case of Murder beautifully weaves together genres of crime, comedy, and thrill to create a heartwarming storyline. The movie takes us through various dramatic ups and downs, skillfully maintaining a comedic undertone. A pivotal event develops as Marco's tranquil family life changes when four gangsters are inexplicably found dead in his rented summer home. The subsequent confusion and chaos create an uproar that is both funny and suspenseful in equal measure. The movie wonderfully explores the themes of redemption, identity, and the challenges of shifting perceptions - all while keeping the audience captivated with excellent humor.

Another aspect that sets this film apart is its cinematography and set design. The visual storytelling expertly conveys the transition from the Prohibition era to the post-Prohibition time. We see the contrast between the dim and shadowy environment from Marco's past and the brighter surroundings of his desired future. These elements come together to heighten the experience making it feel like a mini-time travel session back to the late 1930s.

Underneath all the humor and laughter, the movie cleverly questions and critiques the society that was so ready to accept an erstwhile gangster simply because of his newly acquired wealth. The '30s were a time of significant socioeconomic shift in America, given the end of Prohibition and the economic changes brought on by the Great Depression. These historical events are subtly represented in the background, adding a more profound layer to the film.

In conclusion, a Slight Case of Murder from 1938 is a stellar movie that superbly blends crime, suspense, and comedy into a harmonious narrative that is as exciting as it is humorous. It offers laughs, intrigue, and a glimpse into a past era, all while demonstrating Edward G. Robinson's impressive capacity to expand beyond his typecast role into the domain of comedy. A classic worth watching.