The Crystal Ball
A story with a unique plot, a cast of seasoned performers, very capable direction and good comedy relief combine to make this one thoroughly acceptable entertainment.
A story with a unique plot, a cast of seasoned performers, very capable direction and good comedy relief combine to make this one thoroughly acceptable entertainment.
Though the title may not suggest it, The Crystal Ball carries a strong romantic flavor with Ray Milland and Paulette Goddard paired, while Virginia Field is the frustrated fiancee in the triangular setup. Field plays a rich widow, Goddard a stranded gal who goes to work as a shill for a shooting gallery, a job procured for her by a friendly fortune-teller of shady rep.
When the fake medium takes sick, Goddard doubles on the fortune-telling racket and nearly gets Milland into trouble by advising that he take an option on some property that the Government is after.
The comic relief is light and refreshing but more could have been done with Ernest Truex and Iris Adrian, a scrapping married couple. Additional humor is supplied by William Bendix, playing a chauffeur and Sig Arno, a waiter.
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