I have never been the biggest Bette Davis fan (nor for that matter Joan Crawford), maybe because I find them unappealing (unlike better actresses such as Barbara Stanwyck, Irene Dunne, Claudette Colbert, and naturally, Myrna Loy. (both in ability and especially looks)). But I tried this movie because the only Davis movies I generally like are Pre-Codes, and those where she is secondary to the likes of Cagney, Bogart and Robinson. In my opinion the main reason to watch this movie is the snappy dialogue. Basically, Davis who got top billing is not the one with the best lines (its Glenda Farrell (Belle)). The main star is Pat O'Brien (Butch Saunders), who really is the main star. There have been a few comments about the ending spoilers ahead: Its where Saunders gives a beating to his bigamist wife Belle, who just uses him for money (three times she demands money from O'Brien while married to someone else)).but if you look at her as a cartoon type character like Betty Boop or Jessica Rabbit (basically not serious), its nothing to be offended about. Saunders is interesting because he is a not to bright cop, who thinks from start to finish during the movie that he is going to the top. Of course, he will not because Captain Webb (Lewis Stone), will run the Department as long as he likes, plus Norma Roberts (Davis) is the smarter one, who has him wrapped around her finger (although he does not know it). Basically a fun movie 9/10 stars.
Review of Bureau of Missing Persons
