You are here:

Comedy Movies/30's-40's comedy

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/5/2007


Question
I'm looking for the title of an old movie, I'm pretty sure it from the 30's or 40's. It is about a professor or psychologist who wishes to observe the "criminal mind" in it's natural element and he somehow meets up with a gang of petty crooks and starts hanging out with them. Of course he becomes embroiled in their ventures and discovers that he enjoys the excitement of their lifestyle. It's not "Balls of Fire" nor "Night on the Bowery". Thanks for your help.

Answer
Eva, this is "The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse," a comedy-drama made in 1938 (sometimes called "The Amazing Doctor Clitterhouse").  It was based on a play, and starred Edward G. Robinson as the psychologist who is interested in the criminal mind, becomimg involved with some robbers (and then in competition with them--the chief criminal was played by Humphrey Bogart, before his more famous roles in the 1940s).

Comedy Movies

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Barbara L. Baker

Expertise

I am a professor of communication at a midwest university, who has expertise on subjects related to film. I can answer general questions on U.S. film comedy (especially satires of the 1960s and 1970s) and comic theory. I also could answer questions related to specific comic genres, such as comedian comedies, screwball comedies, "stupid" comedies, and so forth. The more specific you can make your question, the better (e.g. main plot details, main characters, possible character names, possible actors, how you viewed the show, etc.). I also need to have a release date (or range of dates, or at least the year you viewed the film). Please do not just provide a set of links to someplace else (e.g. imdb discussion threads). I am less able to answer questions about comedies from other countries, made-for-TV movies, and recent comic films and actors (although I would do my best to find out). I cannot answer questions about specific TV shows or series, "Our Gang" episodes, anime/magna or about film collectables. I generally cannot provide movie recommendations, since what I find funny others may not. Nor will I answer obvious homework (although I will point you to resources to help answer the question, if asked). I also can't help you find movie stars, or where to buy movie memorabilia, or tell you how to break into the business.

Experience

Course work in comedy films along with teaching about comedy films for several years; I've also conducted research into comedy films.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in Communication, emphasis in film and rhetoric

Awards and Honors
A dissertation award from a national organization plus various paper awards

Past/Present Clients
My students

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.