The Ex-Mrs. Bradford (1936)

59% of users liked it
(85 ratings)

The "ex" of the title is daffy mystery-writer Jean Arthur, former wife of urbane doctor William Powell. When Powell becomes the prime suspect in a murder case, Arthur endeavors to solve the case herself -- and to reclaim her ex-hubby in the process. After a well-directed semiclimax at a race track,… More The "ex" of the title is daffy mystery-writer Jean Arthur, former wife of urbane doctor William Powell. When Powell becomes the prime suspect in a murder case, Arthur endeavors to solve the case herself -- and to reclaim her ex-hubby in the process. After a well-directed semiclimax at a race track, the killer is revealed during one of those expository scenes in which all the suspects are gathered together in one room. The murderer attempts to escape, and Powell is knocked cold in the process. When he awakens, he discovers that Arthur has set up some projection equipment, and is running a film of a minister reciting the wedding vows. Curses! Trapped again! Like William Powell's previous RKO effort Star of Midnight, The Ex-Mrs. Bradford was an attempt to cash in on the popularity of Powell's Thin Man films. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 20 min.
Directed By: Stephen Roberts
Written By: Anthony Veiller
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: May 13, 1936 Wide

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It was mildly amusing, but it's not the kind of film you want to bet on as a winner.

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

nefnie l

It's hard to be impartial, when one is crazy for William Powell. I will give it my best attempt though. This movie is very similar to The Thin Man series, complete with the gathering of suspects at the end. Although Arthur does well with Powell, it certainly lacks the… More
It's hard to be impartial, when one is crazy for William Powell. I will give it my best attempt though. This movie is very similar to The Thin Man series, complete with the gathering of suspects at the end. Although Arthur does well with Powell, it certainly lacks the chemistry and comedic timing he shares with Loy. Fun and definitely worth watching,

Cast

            William Powell as Dr. Lawrence Bradford

            Jean Arthur as Paula Bradford

            James Gleason as Inspector Corrigan

            Eric Blore as Stokes

            Robert Armstrong as Nick Martel

            Lila Lee as Miss Prentiss

            Grant Mitchell as Mr. Summers

            Erin O'Brien-Moore as Mrs. Summers

            Johnny Arthur as Frankenstein Process Server

            Stanley Blystone as Police Radio Operator

            Spencer Charters as Coroner

            Frankie Darro as Salisbury

            John Dilson as Analyst

            James Donlan as Cabby

            Paul Fix as Lou Pender

            Lucille Gleason as Mrs. Hutchins

            Dorothy Granger as Receptionist

            Sam Hayes as Race Announcer

            Charles McMurphy as Cop

            Edward McWade as Minister on Film

            Ralph Morgan as Mr. Hutchins

            Frank Reicher as Henry Strand

            Charles Richman as Turf Club President

            Sid Saylor as Detective

            John Sheehan as Bert Murphy

            Frank M. Thomas as Mike North

            Rollo Lloyd as Landlord
See full cast