SYNOPSIS: In My Favorite Brunette (1947), a classic comedy film directed by Elliott Nugent, we follow the misadventures of Ronnie Jackson (Bob Hope), a baby photographer with dreams of becoming a private detective. The film opens with Jackson narrating his tale from San Quentin's death row, where he awaits execution. He recounts how he got entangled in a web of intrigue and mistaken identity.

The story begins when a beautiful brunette, Carlotta Montay (Dorothy Lamour), walks into Jackson's studio seeking help to find her missing uncle. Mistaking him for a real detective, she persuades Jackson to take on the case. Reluctantly, he accepts, hoping it will launch his detective career.

Jackson soon finds himself embroiled in a complex plot involving a sinister house, secret passages, and shady characters. Along the way, he encounters the mysterious Dr. Lundau (Peter Lorre), who seems to be at the center of the intrigue. As Jackson delves deeper into the case, he stumbles into one comedic mishap after another, showcasing Bob Hope's trademark wit and comedic timing.

The film cleverly parodies the hard-boiled detective genre, with Jackson navigating through dangerous situations with humorous ineptitude. Despite his bumbling nature, Jackson manages to uncover clues and piece together the puzzle, all while trying to impress Carlotta and prove his worth as a detective.

Throughout the film, there are nods to classic film-noir tropes, including moody lighting, dramatic music, and mysterious characters lurking in the shadows. The narrative unfolds with twists and turns, keeping the audience entertained with its blend of suspense and comedy.

As the story reaches its climax, Jackson confronts the true mastermind behind the mystery, leading to a climactic showdown that resolves the case and clears his name. The film concludes with a humorous twist, revealing Jackson's fate and tying together the comedic elements that define My Favorite Brunette.

My Favorite Brunette is celebrated for Bob Hope's charismatic performance, supported by a talented cast including Dorothy Lamour and Peter Lorre. It remains a beloved example of classic Hollywood comedy, blending suspenseful storytelling with laugh-out-loud humor, and showcasing the enduring appeal of its stars in a memorable and entertaining adventure.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: My Favorite Brunette  opens with baby photographer Ronnie Jackson (Bob Hope) recounting his recent misfortunes from a jail cell. He explains how he was mistaken for a private detective by the stunning Carlotta Montay (Dorothy Lamour), who asks for his help finding her missing uncle. Despite his initial reluctance, Ronnie accepts the case, hoping it will lead to more glamorous opportunities.

As Ronnie delves deeper into the investigation, he encounters a string of suspicious characters, including the sinister Kismet (Peter Lorre), who tries to thwart his efforts at every turn. Ronnie's comedic ineptitude and accidental bravery lead him into dangerous situations, such as breaking into a mansion and narrowly escaping capture.

Throughout his escapades, Ronnie remains determined to uncover the truth and prove the innocence of his newfound friend, Sam McCloud (Reginald Denny), who has been wrongfully accused of murder. With Carlotta's reluctant assistance, Ronnie navigates a labyrinth of clues, red herrings, and close calls, all while maintaining his wry sense of humor.

The plot twists when Ronnie and Carlotta discover a hidden map that holds the key to the mystery. They decipher its cryptic clues and embark on a perilous journey to recover evidence that will exonerate Sam. Along the way, Ronnie's bumbling charm endears him to Carlotta, who starts to see him in a new light.

In a climactic showdown at an abandoned warehouse, Ronnie confronts the real mastermind behind the conspiracy, ultimately outsmarting them and revealing the true culprit. With the case solved and justice served, Ronnie returns to his life as a baby photographer, content with his newfound reputation as a reluctant hero.

PRODUCTION: My Favorite Brunette directed by Elliott Nugent, film parodies the hard-boiled detective genre, incorporating elements of film noir with humor and wit. It was produced by Paramount Pictures and remains a classic example of Hope’s comedic style.

The screenplay for My Favorite Brunette was written by Edmund Beloin, Jack Rose and Elliott Nugent. The script cleverly parodied the detective genre, with a focus on satire and slapstick comedy. The film was inspired by the popularity of detective films and the success of Bob Hope’s previous comedies. Its plot and dialogue were crafted to blend the conventions of film-noir with Hope’s trademark humor.

Bob Hope’s casting as Ronnie Jackson was central to the film’s appeal. His comedic timing and charisma brought the character to life, making him the perfect foil for the film’s blend of comedy and mystery. Lamour played Carlotta Montay, the mysterious brunette who enlists Jackson’s help. Her performance added a layer of charm and intrigue to the film. 

Lorre portrayed Dr. Lundau, the enigmatic antagonist. His portrayal added a touch of menace and comedy, enhancing the film’s blend of suspense and humor. The film also featured various supporting actors, including: Lon Chaney Jr. as a bartender and Willie Best as Jackson’s loyal assistant, adding to the film’s comedic elements.

Filming primarily took place on studio sets, designed to emulate the dark, moody atmosphere typical of film noir. Key scenes were shot in Paramount’s sound stages, with sets meticulously designed to enhance the film’s comedic take on detective tropes. The production team focused on creating visually appealing sets that balanced the film’s comic and  suspenseful elements. The sets were designed to reflect the 1940s aesthetic, complete with shadowy corners and 

dramatic lighting.

The film’s production team included renowned figures in Hollywood, contributing to its high production values. Cinematography was handled by Ray June, known for his work on numerous classic films. The film’s score, composed by Robert Emmett Dolan, complemented the narrative, blending suspenseful and humorous elements seamlessly.

RELEASE: My Favorite Brunette premiered in the United States on March 19, 1947. The film was distributed by Paramount Pictures. The film received positive reviews upon its release. Critics praised Bob Hope's performance and the film's comedic take on the detective genre. The blend of humor and mystery was well-received, with many noting the film's entertainment value. My Favorite Brunette was a commercial success, benefiting from Bob Hope's popularity at the time. It performed well at the box office, contributing to Paramount's success in 1947. The film has remained a beloved classic in Hollywood comedy. Its witty script, combined with Bob Hope's charismatic portrayal of Ronnie Jackson, has solidified its place in comedic cinema. My Favorite Brunette continues to be referenced in popular culture and is celebrated for its enduring entertainment value.

CAST:

• Bob Hope as Ronnie Jackson

• Dorothy Lamour as Baroness Carlotta Montay

• Peter Lorre as Kismet

• Lon Chaney Jr. as Willie

• Reginald Denny as James Collins

• Frank Puglia as Baron Montay

• Ann Doran as Miss Rogers

• Charles Dingle as Major Simon Montague

• John Hoyt as Dr. Lundau

• Willard Robertson as Prison Warden

• Jack La Rue as Tony

• Charles Arnt as Crawford

• Alan Ladd as Sam McCloud

• Bing Crosby as Would-be Executioner Harry

CREW:

• Director: Elliott Nugent

• Producers: Daniel Dare

• Writers: Edmund Beloin, Jack Rose

• Cinematographer: Lionel Lindon

• Editor: Ellsworth Hoagland

• Music: Robert Emmett Dolan

• Art Director: Hans Dreier, A. Earl Hedrick

Production Company: Hope Enterprises
Distributor: Paramount Pictures

Release Date: April 4, 1947
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 87 minutes
Budget: Estimated $1 million
Box Office Return: $3.1 million

IMDB Rating =  6.7 / 10

TRIVIA:

• Originally intended as a follow-up to The Paleface, another Bob Hope film, My Favorite Brunette marked a departure from the Western genre, showcasing Hope's versatility in comedy-noir.

• Peter Lorre's portrayal of the villain Kismet added a sinister edge to the film, contrasting with Bob Hope's comedic antics.

• Dorothy Lamour's role as Carlotta Montay allowed her to reunite on-screen with Hope after their successful collaborations in the Road to... series.

• The film's title and plot playfully subvert the noir genre, with Ronnie Jackson's narration providing a comedic commentary on the conventions of detective fiction.

• This was the second of three comedies Bob Hope made for Paramount that featured "My Favorite..." in their titles. The first was My Favorite Blonde (1942), and the third was My Favorite Spy (1951). All three paired Hope with sexy females, had fast-paced plots, and were peppered with cameos by major stars. They were also among Hope's biggest box-office hits.

• As Bob Hope attempts to hide the record in the chandelier, he finds a bottle of champagne. His remark, "Ray Milland was here!" is a reference to Milland's portrayal of an alcoholic in The Lost Weekend (1945), who hid a bottle of whiskey in a ceiling lamp.

• The peninsula mansion shown in the film still exists on Carmel-by-the-Sea's famous 17 Mile Drive.

• Bob Hope offers to buy Lon Chaney Jr. a rabbit, a reference to Chaney's performance as Lennie in Of Mice and Men (1939).

• Dorothy Lamour wore a dress by legendary costume designer Edith Head made out of 14-carat gold cloth from the last of the studio's pre-war stock, as per a Paramount press release.

• Ronnie mentions he went to Fairmont High School in Cleveland, OH. In real life, Bob Hope attended Fairmont Junior High School, then East High School in Cleveland.

• According to a contemporary article in "The Hollywood Reporter," Paramount re-created San Quentin's death row and gas chamber for the film.

• Paramount built a replica of the Crocker Mansion's front door at the studio for use in this production.

• On a Capitol Records 78, Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour recorded two Jay Livingston-Ray Evans tunes: the romantic "Beside You," and a comic-banter ditty named after the movie, although this number was not performed in the picture.

• My Favorite Brunette was the first production of Hope Enterprises, Inc.

• Ronnie's car in the film is a 1941 Plymouth Special Deluxe, while the villain's car is a 1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith.

• "My Favorite Brunette" had initially been planned as a 1944 film re-teaming Bob Hope with Paulette Goddard, but Hope declined, preferring to focus on live performances for servicemen.

• Lon Chaney Jr. is credited simply as Lon Chaney in the film.

• During the golf scene at Sea Cliff Sanitarium, the distant barks of local harbor seals and sea lions can be heard.

• "The Screen Guild Theater" broadcast a 30-minute radio adaptation of the movie on 10/13/47 with Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour reprising their film roles.

• Dorothy Lamour's character's name, Carlotta Montay, bears resemblance to W.C. Fields' long-term partner, Carlotta Monti.

• In a continuity error, Bob Hope's character uses a modern twin-lens reflex camera in one scene, but is later shown with plates of individual negatives, typical of older cameras.

My Favorite Brunette remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its witty script, memorable performances, and the enduring appeal of Bob Hope's comedic genius in a noir setting.