You had to give the writers an "A" for effort as they obviously followed the trend. Film noirs were hot at the time and why not put the Bowery Boys in their own version of THE BIG SLEEP or something, like that?
HARD BOILED MAHONEY is campy stuff and well done, again thanks to the direction of William Beaudine, the man behind the series. Slip and Sach get caught up with the atypical mystery woman (played by veteran screen actress Betty Compson) who is looking for her missing sister all tied to a blackmailing scheme.
This film is very atmospheric, replete with shadows, sinister types and snappy dialogue. It's also a pretty good semi-drama as Slip is actually being hunted down by some nefarious killers. Of course, the gags run rampant; one of the best has the guys crashing a radio quiz show (to escape the goons with guns) and making a mess of the procedings, answering questions with all kind of goofy answers. Long time character actor Byron Foulger plays the exasperated quiz host.
Best line department. Foulger reads a commercial about cough syrup. "My husband doesn't cough anymore. Why?" To which Sach replies, "He's dead!" The audience applauds!
Old favorite Dan Seymour is perfect as a mystic (complete with turbin) who rivals Leo Gorcey in scene stealing! Seymour plays Armand who is connected to the mystery and makes it tough going for the gang. Slip has a great scene with Armand's secretary who wants CASH up front. "Good thing I didn't want to see him yesterday," he says, "because I don't think I could afford it!"
Interestingly, this film has been hailed by French film cinema buffs, who claim Monogram Pictures was an integral part in the 40s noir cycle.
Accliamed French director Francois Truffaut praised the studio for turning out black and white films that were actually mini classics, this including the CHARLIE CHAN series. One thing for certain, they are still around. There's a definite sentimentality attached to these B films.
Remastered by Warner Brothers and in box sets, containing about 8 films each and special thanks to TCM for rerunning the BOWERY BOYS.
HARD BOILED MAHONEY is campy stuff and well done, again thanks to the direction of William Beaudine, the man behind the series. Slip and Sach get caught up with the atypical mystery woman (played by veteran screen actress Betty Compson) who is looking for her missing sister all tied to a blackmailing scheme.
This film is very atmospheric, replete with shadows, sinister types and snappy dialogue. It's also a pretty good semi-drama as Slip is actually being hunted down by some nefarious killers. Of course, the gags run rampant; one of the best has the guys crashing a radio quiz show (to escape the goons with guns) and making a mess of the procedings, answering questions with all kind of goofy answers. Long time character actor Byron Foulger plays the exasperated quiz host.
Best line department. Foulger reads a commercial about cough syrup. "My husband doesn't cough anymore. Why?" To which Sach replies, "He's dead!" The audience applauds!
Old favorite Dan Seymour is perfect as a mystic (complete with turbin) who rivals Leo Gorcey in scene stealing! Seymour plays Armand who is connected to the mystery and makes it tough going for the gang. Slip has a great scene with Armand's secretary who wants CASH up front. "Good thing I didn't want to see him yesterday," he says, "because I don't think I could afford it!"
Interestingly, this film has been hailed by French film cinema buffs, who claim Monogram Pictures was an integral part in the 40s noir cycle.
Accliamed French director Francois Truffaut praised the studio for turning out black and white films that were actually mini classics, this including the CHARLIE CHAN series. One thing for certain, they are still around. There's a definite sentimentality attached to these B films.
Remastered by Warner Brothers and in box sets, containing about 8 films each and special thanks to TCM for rerunning the BOWERY BOYS.