A Slight Case of Murder (1938) in Color — Starring Edward G. Robinson & Jane Bryan

A Slight Case of Murder (1938) — Buy This Classic in Color

Buy A Slight Case of Murder (1938) in color — Lloyd Bacon’s riotous gangster comedy adapted from the hit Broadway play by Damon Runyon and Howard Lindsay, now professionally colorized and restored in stunning HD quality. This uproarious farce stars the legendary Edward G. Robinson in a rare and unforgettable comedic turn as Remy Marko, a reformed bootlegger struggling to go legitimate, supported by the talented Jane Bryan as Mary Marko, Allen Jenkins as the wisecracking Mike, Ruth Donnelly as the long-suffering Nora Marko, Willard Parker as State Trooper Dick Whitewood, John Litel as the nervous banker Mr. Post, Edward Brophy as the hapless Lefty, Harold Huber as the excitable Guiseppe, Eric Stanley as Ritter, and Paul Harvey as the stuffy Mr. Whitewood. One of Warner Bros.’ most delightful pre-war comedies, this hidden gem is now available as an instant, DRM-free digital download for immediate enjoyment.

Plot Summary

With Prohibition over and the country going legal, beer baron Remy Marko (Edward G. Robinson) decides it is time to become a respectable citizen. He shuts down his bootlegging operation and moves his family — wife Nora (Ruth Donnelly) and daughter Mary (Jane Bryan) — to a grand country estate in upstate New York, determined to reinvent himself as a legitimate businessman. His loyal but dim-witted henchman Mike (Allen Jenkins) tags along, never quite understanding why the boss wants to go straight. This classic movie continues to captivate new generations of viewers.

Remy’s plans for respectability immediately hit trouble. His legitimate beer tastes terrible and nobody wants to buy it, his banker Mr. Post (John Litel) is threatening to call in his loans, and his daughter Mary has fallen in love with State Trooper Dick Whitewood (Willard Parker) — a development that horrifies the former gangster. When Remy invites a group of influential businessmen, including the elder Mr. Whitewood (Paul Harvey), to his country home for a weekend designed to prove his social standing, everything that can go wrong does.

The weekend erupts into chaos when four dead bodies are discovered in an upstairs bedroom — the victims of a rival gangster’s botched robbery. Remy and his crew, including the bumbling Lefty (Edward Brophy) and the animated Guiseppe (Harold Huber), frantically try to hide the corpses before their distinguished guests discover them. Bodies are shuffled from room to room, stuffed into closets, and propped up in chairs as Remy desperately maintains his facade of suburban respectability. The discovery that one of the dead men has a $50,000 reward on his head turns the disaster into an unexpected windfall, leading to a brilliantly constructed climax where every plot thread converges in a cascade of perfectly timed revelations and absurd coincidences.

Cast & Crew

• Director: Lloyd Bacon
• Starring: Edward G. Robinson as Remy Marko, Jane Bryan as Mary Marko, Allen Jenkins as Mike, Ruth Donnelly as Nora Marko, Willard Parker as State Trooper Dick Whitewood, John Litel as Mr. Post, Edward Brophy as Lefty, Harold Huber as Guiseppe, Eric Stanley as Ritter, Paul Harvey as Mr. Whitewood
• Runtime: 85 minutes
• Year: 1938
• Rated: Approved
• Genre: Comedy, Crime

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This professionally colorized and restored version of A Slight Case of Murder transforms the visual comedy of Lloyd Bacon’s screwball masterpiece. The frame-by-frame HD colorization brings vibrant new life to the contrast between Remy Marko’s flashy gangster wardrobe and the genteel country estate where he desperately tries to fit in. The warm wood-paneled interiors, the lush green grounds of the country house, and the rich earth tones of 1930s fashion all become vivid elements that amplify the film’s visual humor.

The colorization is especially effective in highlighting the physical comedy — Edward G. Robinson’s expressive face registers every shade of panic and bluster with even greater impact in color, while the increasingly frantic body-shuffling sequences gain an almost Technicolor screwball energy. The warm autumn palette of the countryside setting contrasts beautifully with the cold, stark moments of gangster menace, reinforcing the film’s brilliant tonal balancing act between comedy and crime. The restoration preserves every pratfall and double-take of the original while adding layers of visual richness that make this overlooked gem feel fresh and immediate. Also available in colour for international viewers.

Historical Significance

Released in 1938, A Slight Case of Murder represents a fascinating turning point in Edward G. Robinson’s legendary career. After defining the screen gangster archetype in Little Caesar (1931) and establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s most intense dramatic actors, Robinson proved his remarkable versatility by playing Remy Marko as a lovable, bumbling oaf who is far more dangerous with a business plan than a Tommy gun. The film demonstrated that Robinson possessed impeccable comedic timing to match his dramatic intensity.

Adapted from the 1935 Broadway play by Damon Runyon and Howard Lindsay, the film brought Runyon’s distinctively colorful underworld characters to the screen with the snap and energy that only Warner Bros. could deliver in the late 1930s. Director Lloyd Bacon, a studio workhorse known for his efficiency and versatility, kept the pace crackling and the gags landing with precision. The film’s satirical portrait of a gangster desperately seeking respectability anticipated later classic crime comedies and remains remarkably fresh in its humor and social commentary.

Technical Details

• Original Format: Black and White (1938)
• Colorized: Professional frame-by-frame HD colorization and restoration
• Resolution: HD 720p
• File Format: MP4 / MKV
• Running Time: 85 minutes
• Language: English
• Delivery: Instant download link on-screen and sent to your email upon purchase
• Price: €15.00
• License: Personal, non-commercial use

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: How does Edward G. Robinson’s role differ from his typical gangster characters?
Robinson plays Remy Marko as a bumbling, good-hearted ex-bootlegger who has traded his menace for hapless charm and physical comedy. Rather than the cold, ruthless Rico of Little Caesar, Remy is a lovable oaf whose attempts at respectability create escalating hilarity, showcasing Robinson’s remarkable and often underappreciated comedic talent.

Q: What makes this a Damon Runyon adaptation?
Based on the 1935 Broadway play by Damon Runyon and Howard Lindsay, the film captures Runyon’s signature blend of colorful underworld characters, sharp dialogue, and affectionate satire. The story’s mix of gangsters, corpses, and social climbing is pure Runyon — absurd situations played with deadpan sincerity and a warm heart beneath the wisecracks.

Q: Why is this considered a hidden gem of 1930s cinema?
Despite featuring one of Edward G. Robinson’s finest performances and a brilliantly constructed farce plot, A Slight Case of Murder has been overshadowed by Robinson’s more famous dramatic roles. Its combination of rapid-fire wit, physical comedy, and sharp social satire makes it one of the most entertaining and rewatchable comedies of the late 1930s, deserving far wider recognition.

Digital Download Questions

Q: Is this the original film with added color?
Yes, this is the original 1938 black and white film professionally colorized frame-by-frame for authentic, vibrant visuals while preserving the original audio and performances.

Q: What devices can I watch this on?
Any device that supports MP4 playback, including Smart TVs, Windows and macOS computers, tablets, and iOS or Android mobile devices.

Q: Is the download DRM-free?
Yes, your digital download is completely DRM-free for personal use. No special software or accounts are required to enjoy the film.

Q: How and when will I receive my download?
You will receive a secure download link on the confirmation page immediately after purchase. A copy of the link will also be sent to your email address.

Related Colorized Classics

• Little Caesar (1931)
• The Roaring Twenties (1939)
• Key Largo (1948)
• Angels with Dirty Faces (1938)
• Brother Orchid (1940)