This is the first of four films based on the popular radio series which ran from 1939 to 1952; the series moved to television twice, first on ABC from October 1, 1951 to June 23, 1952, then in syndication from 1954 to 1955.
The radio show was created by Ed Byron, who based the character on then New York Governor Thomas B. Dewey; Dewey's earlier campaign against racketeering had led to his election. Producer Philips Lord, the creator of Gang Busters, helped develop the concept and created the title. For many years the main character was known only as Mister District Attorney, and was later called Paul Garrett, which was also the name given the character in the syndicated television version. In the first three films, his name was P. Cadwaller Jones; in the final film the name was Steve Bennett. Over the years, many actors portrayed the title character: on radio -- Dwight Weist, Raymond Edward Johnson, Jay Jostyn, tony Randall, and David Bryon; in film --Dennis O'Keefe, James Ellison, and John Hubbard; and on television -- Jay Jostyn and David Brian.
The 1942 film of Mr. District Attorney took a screwball approach to the series; although it remains a crime drama, you really have to squint to call it noir. P. (for Prince) Cadwaller Jones (Dennis O'Keefe), is a newly appointed Assistant District Attorney who teams up with eager young reporter Terry Parker (Florence Rice) to track down missing crook Paul Hyde (Peter Lorre), whose hidden cache of embezzled loot suddenly turns up at a race track. There's a few dead bodies, more than a few wisecracks, and some action -- all of which adds up to a very enjoyable time waster. Also featured are Stanley Ridges as District Attorney Tom Winton and Minor Watson as Arthur Barret, the man eager to take over Winton's job, as well as a slew of Republic Pictures' most accomplished character actors.
Directed by William Morgan, a former cinematographer whose directing career never matched his talent. Written by Karl Brown and Malcolm Stuart Boylan; of the two, Boylan had the more noted career, penning three Boston Blackie films, one Lone Wolf film, as well as Trent's Last Case, A Yank at Oxford, and Dr. Cyclops.
O'Keefe also starred in the fourth film, also titled Mr. District Attorney (1947), a much more serious take, and this time the character was named Steve Bennett.
Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfX4YqeF2w8
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