This Abbott and Costello spoof of whodunits contains some laugh-out-loud moments ("I was holding the gun backwards!"), but IMO would have been even funnier if it had focused more on the "A & C posing as detectives" idea: the scene where they "interrogate" the suspects ("what kind of murder is this without a butler?") is possibly the highlight of the film and predates by decades similar scenes in the "Pink Panther" sequels. But the rest of the movie has the boys mostly trying to evade the real policemen rather than investigating the crime(s). Luckily, "Who Done It?" is not just a succession of comic routines - it also has a functional mystery plot and a well-done climactic set piece with Bud and Lou trapped alone with the killer on the roof of a skyscraper. (**1/2)
Review of Who Done It?
Who Done It?
(1942)
Frantic, funny farce that misses the opportunity to be even funnier
11 April 2008