Professional pollster Fred MacMurray (as Pete Marshall) arrives in the Ozarks, collecting data for a survey of rural areas. He's replacing another pollster, "Hector P. Smedley", who disappeared after encountering the murderous "Fleagle" family. Led by whip-cracking Marjorie Main (as Mamie), the hillbilly clan abducts Mr. MacMurray. They think he may know how to locate a missing $70,000. Also looking for the money is beautiful Helen Walker (posing as Bonnie), after a jail bust. She arrives with a gun, a cigar and a secret...
Best part of this witty comedy is watching Peter Whitney play twins "Mert and Bert". Other than an early scene where Mr. Whitney's double keeps his back to the camera, you'd think they were real twins. The special effect, by Gordon Jennings and Paul Lerpae, is incredibly well-maneuvered. One highlight has director George Marshall coordinating the twins and MacMurray while the latter converses with an imaginary character. Another great scene occurs when MacMurray knocks Jenkins out and pretends they are one.
******** Murder, He Says (6/23/45) George Marshall ~ Fred MacMurray, Helen Walker, Marjorie Main, Peter Whitney
Best part of this witty comedy is watching Peter Whitney play twins "Mert and Bert". Other than an early scene where Mr. Whitney's double keeps his back to the camera, you'd think they were real twins. The special effect, by Gordon Jennings and Paul Lerpae, is incredibly well-maneuvered. One highlight has director George Marshall coordinating the twins and MacMurray while the latter converses with an imaginary character. Another great scene occurs when MacMurray knocks Jenkins out and pretends they are one.
******** Murder, He Says (6/23/45) George Marshall ~ Fred MacMurray, Helen Walker, Marjorie Main, Peter Whitney