Powder Town (1942) User Reviews

**1/2

[edwagreen · 6/10 · 12 January 2017]

Which foreign country were these spies working for? That's never discussed as we see a totally different Edmond O'Brien who was always the loud mouth in motion pictures. In this one, he portrays a meager scientist who goes to work for a research company to test his work. Go know that the company is filled with spies who just can't wait to get the formula away from him.

Victor McLaglen is one of the workers at the plant, a tough but lovable guy. June Havoc steals the scenes that she is in, loved by the McLaglen character, but loving O'Brien instead, she comes across a quick thinking moll in the film. Dorothy Lovett is the girl O'Brien falls for and she is recruited by the spies to work for them. The best part of the film is when Lovett and Havoc join forces to help our scientist against the spies.

A silly little time-passer.

[planktonrules · 5/10 · 27 January 2013]

Edmond O'Brien stars in this odd little WWII propaganda film. He plays an absent-minded and very naive scientist who is working on a secret formula for explosives. Unfortunately, he's a wanted man--wanted by the Axis as well as by women in the boarding house where he lives. Can he manage to avoid Nazi spies and marriage-minded women long enough to complete his tests? As a propaganda film, it's very unusual. Most films by Hollywood about the war were films featuring soldiers--not research scientists. Because of that reason alone, the film is worth seeing. Along for the ride is Victor McLaglen and Eddie Foy Jr.--as well as a house full of pretty actresses. It is true that men were in short supply during the war--and seeing these women panting after nerdy O'Brien was kind of funny. However, as for the rest of the film, it was only adequate. It's inoffensive but not particularly distinguished. Worth seeing only if you are nuts about propaganda films--otherwise you can easily find better.

By the way, seeing an older McLaglen fighting and beating the snot out of everyone was NOT unrealistic. He'd been a boxer in his younger days and despite his age probably COULD have taken on the entire bar!

Annoying

[AAdaSC · 3/10 · 25 December 2015]

Scientist Edmond O'Brien (Penji) is persuaded to work on a secret formula when his lab blows up. But there are those who want to get their hands on his work. The trouble is he doesn't want to share with anyone.

Edmond O'Brien should be top billed instead of his annoying bruiser sidekick Victor McLaglen (Jeems) as it is his story. What's going on with that? Things are worsened by the fact that O'Brien is even more annoying than McLaglen. His simpleton manner is irritating and a complete nonsense and the fact that all those women in the boarding house are after him doesn't say much for womankind. We also have the awful Mary Gordon as their landlady. She is the only Scottish woman who manages to make it sound like she is putting on a fake Scottish accent. Irritating.

So, basically the cast are rubbish, the plot is stupid, the humour is never funny and the overall experience is boring. They obviously wanted Lucille Ball but couldn't get her so look-a-like June Havoc gets the role of Dolly. It's all a waste of time. And what about the ending when he reveals the formula for love. It's just infantile crap.

Wonderful little film.

[shazam1950 · 10/10 · 15 December 2009]

It's on one of my Beta tapes and I still watch it now and then. To see Ed O'Brien so young and not portraying his usual overbearing character types is so refreshing. He really sold the absent minded professor act. Victor MacLagen was his terrific blustering strong and goodhearted self. But my hat and eyes go to June Havoc, the sister of Gypsy Rose Lee. She looks so shapely and sexy whether in a dress or those hot pants and blouse. that she overshadows Dorothy Lovett the love interest of O'Brien]. Some of the action stunts looks as though NO stunt doubles were used. Yes. a small well done B entry that had a simple plot with several themes from romance, comedy sci-fi,action and more than a touch of whimsy. For me it is right up there with Q PLANES with Ralph Richardson and Larry Olivier as unsung films that should be praised more. I hope that both of these films see the light of DVD before my VHS tapes wear out.

Excellent little SF comedy

[miller-18 · 8/10 · 20 May 2000]

Probably one of the few science fiction comedies (though it is borderline SF at best) that can be described as "charming". It's genuinely funny and filled with warm, well-drawn characters--and with a truly suspenseful climax. I'd give a lot to see this available on videotape!

Powder Keg

[ellenirishellen-62962 · 8/10 · 4 January 2017]

Didn't expect to think much of this film,but have to admit that I liked it.McLaglen is his typical bruiser,but he grew on me,and not like mold.O'Brien is a charming innocent in the ways of the world,but a brilliant scientist who creates a formula for explosive powder.And Eddie Foy,Jr is terrific as Jeems' idiot companion.Mary Gordon is not awful in this,as is otherwise noted.She's her usual wonderful character,and I loved her,as always!The ladies are a lot of fun,and Roland V. Lee does a fine directing job.A very nice way to spend a rather chilly afternoon,and plenty of intrigue from spies after O'Brien's formula.