Private Detective 62 - 1933 William Powell

"Private Detective 62" (1933) is a pre-Code detective film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring William Powell as a disgraced diplomat who becomes a private detective. Here's what I can tell you about it:

Plot:
The film follows Don Free (Powell), a former diplomat falsely accused of espionage in France. Disgraced and unemployed, he returns to New York City and teams up with a two-bit private detective named Bixby (Roscoe Karns). Together, they take on a case involving a wealthy socialite named Gladys (Margaret Lindsay) who is accused of cheating at cards. Don, initially tasked with gathering evidence against Gladys, finds himself falling for her instead. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a web of lies and deceit, and must choose between his newfound love and his loyalty to his shady partner.

Cast:
William Powell as Don Free
Margaret Lindsay as Gladys
Roscoe Karns as Bixby
Ruth Donnelly as Amy
Gordon Westcott as Bandor
Arthur Hohl as Hogan
Critical reception:

"Private Detective 62" received mixed reviews upon release, with some critics praising Powell's performance and the film's fast-paced plot, while others found the story to be predictable and the ending unsatisfying. However, the film has since been reevaluated and is now considered a minor classic of the pre-Code era, praised for its its dark humor, sharp dialogue, and social commentary.

Themes:
Justice and injustice
Love and betrayal
Morality and corruption
The American Dream