The Mad Miss Manton (1938) in Color — Starring Barbara Stanwyck & Henry Fonda

Plot Summary

Melsa Manton is one of New York’s most prominent socialites — beautiful, wealthy, headstrong, and possessed of an absolute refusal to let anyone tell her what to do. While walking her dog late one night, she discovers a dead body in an abandoned house. She immediately calls the police, but by the time they arrive, the body has vanished. The sceptical Lieutenant Brent dismisses her report as another of the attention-seeking pranks for which Melsa and her socialite friends are notorious.

Furious at being disbelieved, Melsa launches her own investigation, enlisting her circle of equally privileged and equally fearless girlfriends as amateur detectives. The women apply their considerable intelligence, social connections, and sheer nerve to the case, uncovering clues that the police missed and following leads that take them into increasingly dangerous territory.

Peter Ames is the editor of a major newspaper who has been running stories mocking Melsa and her socialite friends. Melsa retaliates by suing him for libel, but their adversarial relationship quickly develops romantic undertones as Peter discovers that beneath Melsa’s glamorous exterior lies a genuinely brave and intelligent woman. Their sparring becomes increasingly flirtatious even as the murder investigation grows more dangerous.

The amateur detectives’ investigation eventually brings them face to face with the real killer, and the comedy takes on genuinely suspenseful overtones as Melsa and her friends find themselves in real danger. The climax combines exciting thriller elements with romantic comedy as Peter races to rescue Melsa while she is busy rescuing herself, proving that the mad Miss Manton is considerably smarter and braver than anyone gave her credit for being.

Cast & Crew

Director: Leigh Jason

Stars: Barbara Stanwyck, Henry Fonda, Sam Levene, Frances Mercer, Stanley Ridges, Whitney Bourne, Vicki Lester, Hattie McDaniel

Barbara Stanwyck is magnificent, bringing her unique combination of glamour, toughness, and comic timing to a role that perfectly showcases her versatility. Henry Fonda provides the ideal romantic foil with his understated charm. Sam Levene adds wonderful comic support as the long-suffering police lieutenant, and Hattie McDaniel delivers scene-stealing moments as Melsa’s maid.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The colorization of The Mad Miss Manton brings the glamorous 1930s New York settings to sparkling visual life, enhancing the elegant costumes, luxurious penthouses, and the visual comedy of socialites investigating a murder in their finest evening wear. Now also available in colour. The colour presentation adds glamour and visual wit to this delightful screwball mystery. Buy The Mad Miss Manton (1938) Colorized – €15.00

Historical Significance

The Mad Miss Manton represents the screwball comedy mystery at its most entertaining, combining the wit and sophistication of the genre with genuine suspense. Barbara Stanwyck’s performance demonstrated her remarkable range, and the pairing with Henry Fonda proved so popular they reunited for You Belong to Me. Through colorization, this sparkling comedy mystery has been preserved for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes — AI-assisted colorization
• Audio: English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: Approximately 80 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — play on any device
• Instant download: Yes
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Are Stanwyck and Fonda good together?
A: Their chemistry is electric — Stanwyck’s fierce independence and Fonda’s quiet exasperation create a romantic dynamic that is both hilarious and genuinely attractive.

Q: Is this a comedy or a mystery?
A: The film brilliantly combines both genres, offering laugh-out-loud screwball comedy alongside a genuine murder mystery with real suspense and clever plot twists.

Q: Is Hattie McDaniel in this?
A: Yes, Hattie McDaniel delivers memorable scene-stealing moments in her role, demonstrating the formidable talent that would earn her a historic Academy Award for Gone with the Wind.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file that plays on virtually any modern device including computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs.

Q: Is there DRM protection on the file?
A: No, the download is completely DRM-free, meaning you own the file outright and can watch it on any device without restrictions or internet requirements.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: The download is available instantly after payment is confirmed, allowing you to start watching within minutes of your purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• The Thin Man (1934)
• My Man Godfrey (1936)
• Topper (1937)
• It Happened One Night (1934)
• The Lady Eve (1941)