Murder on a Bridle Path Reviews

In spite of a weak script, this Gleason-Broderick comedy-mystery has its moments. A wealthy society widow is found slain on Central Park's bridle path, and culprits abound. Gleason is the professional investigator and Broderick the amateur know-it-all who trail the killer. Routine motives, including past affairs, unpaid alimony, and a bit of forgery, are all in their respective slots. The culprit is finally revealed and, wouldn't you know it, the butler did it! Gleason and Broderick, as the sleuthing comedy team, do an acceptable job. Broderick, who replaced Edna May Oliver as Hildegarde Withers, is a fine character actress who holds her own against the more stolid Gleason. But while the film gets off to a promising start, it quickly bogs down into typical formula stuff that moves too slowly for its own good. The fault clearly lies with the script (by four writers) and direction (two directors). This film is a good example of too many hands spoiling some otherwise fine efforts by the acting ensemble.