Charlie McCarthy, Detective is a 1939 American comedy film starring Edgar Bergen, Charlie McCarthy and Robert Cummings.Charlie McCarthy, Detective Monthly Film Bulletin; London Vol. 8, Iss. 85, (Jan 1, 1941): 83.
Plot Scotty Hamilton is a reporter who works for a crooked editor. Bill Banning is another reporter who is about to expose the editor's ties to the mob. When the editor is killed, both reporter Banning and mobster Tony Garcia are suspected. However, Hamilton's friend Edgar Bergen solves the case (without much help from Charlie McCarthy).
Cast
Uncredited
Production The film was announced in June 1938. It was the second movie Bergen made for Universal following Letter of Introduction.NEWS OF THE SCREEN New York Times (2 Aug 1939: 24.NEWS OF THE SCREEN: New York Times (3 June 1938: 16. Bob Cummings was assigned in October 1939.DRAMA: Los Angeles Times 30 Oct 1939: 13.
Filming took place from November to December 1939.
Reception The New York Times called it "a nondescript omlette".THE SCREEN IN REVIEWB y FRANK S. NUGENT. New York Times 25 Dec 1939: 29. Variety wrote "whatever box office reaction" the film "is able to generate depends on the ability of Edgar Bergen and his wooden stooge to carry this inadequate script and inept direction. Picture will have to struggle as top half of the dualers. It won't assist the screen progress of Bergen and his pal."
References
External links
Charlie McCarthy, Detective at the British Film Institute