The Ex-Mrs. Bradford (1936) in Color — Starring William Powell & Jean Arthur

Plot Summary

Doctor Lawrence Bradford is a respected physician who wants nothing more than a quiet, orderly life free from the chaos that defined his marriage to Paula. She is a beautiful, whip-smart mystery novelist whose insatiable curiosity and reckless courage made every day of their marriage an adventure — and drove Brad to the edge of his sanity. Now divorced, he is finally enjoying the peace and calm he always craved, when Paula storms back into his life with news of a murder.

A jockey has died during a horse race under circumstances that everyone except Paula accepts as natural causes. But Paula’s mystery-writer instincts tell her that the death was no accident, and she is determined to prove it. She descends upon Brad’s beautifully organized life like a human tornado, overturning his schedule, disrupting his practice, and dragging him into her investigation whether he likes it or not.

As they dig deeper into the case, more bodies begin to pile up, and what seemed like a simple racetrack mystery leads them into a web of corruption, blackmail, and cold-blooded murder that stretches far beyond the world of horse racing. Brad finds himself reluctantly impressed by Paula’s sharp deductive mind and her fearless willingness to charge into dangerous situations. And Paula discovers that she still needs Brad’s steady intelligence and protective strength more than she wants to admit.

The investigation takes increasingly dangerous turns as the killer becomes aware that this meddlesome pair is closing in on the truth. Through a dazzling series of comic setpieces, narrow escapes, and brilliantly witty exchanges, Brad and Paula work their way toward unmasking the murderer while simultaneously working their way back into each other’s hearts. The climax delivers both a satisfying mystery resolution and a thoroughly charming romantic reunion.

Cast & Crew

Director: Stephen Roberts

Stars: William Powell, Jean Arthur, James Gleason, Eric Blore, Robert Armstrong

William Powell brings his trademark urbane wit and impeccable comic timing to the role of the long-suffering Brad, while Jean Arthur is absolutely radiant as the irrepressible Paula. Their chemistry is electric, and their rapid-fire dialogue exchanges rank among the finest in 1930s comedy. James Gleason adds wonderful comedy as the exasperated police inspector.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The colorization of The Ex-Mrs. Bradford brings gorgeous life to the elegant 1930s costumes, luxurious domestic interiors, and the glamorous world of high-society New York that provides the backdrop for this sparkling mystery comedy. Now also available in colour. The colour presentation dramatically enhances the visual sophistication of RKO’s glossy production design and the radiant star power of Powell and Arthur. Buy The Ex-Mrs. Bradford (1936) Colorized – €15.00

Historical Significance

The Ex-Mrs. Bradford exemplifies the golden age of screwball comedy mysteries, a genre that blended sophisticated romantic comedy with clever whodunit plotting. The film capitalizes on the enormous popularity of Powell’s Thin Man series and pairs him with Jean Arthur, who was emerging as one of the era’s finest comedic actresses. Through colorization, this sparkling example of 1930s Hollywood at its most entertaining 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: Is this similar to The Thin Man?
A: Yes, the film clearly draws inspiration from The Thin Man series, pairing William Powell with another brilliant leading lady in a mystery comedy that blends witty banter with genuine suspense.

Q: Who is Jean Arthur?
A: Jean Arthur was one of the greatest comedic actresses of the 1930s and 1940s, known for her distinctive husky voice and radiant charm. She would later star in classics like Mr. Deeds Goes to Town and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

Q: Is this a good mystery or mainly a comedy?
A: Both — the film delivers a genuinely clever murder mystery with unexpected twists alongside sparkling romantic comedy and witty dialogue that make it thoroughly entertaining on every level.

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)
• The Kennel Murder Case (1933)
• The Girl Who Had Everything (1953)
• Mr. & Mrs. Smith (1941)