Watch My Favorite Brunette

In the 1947 movie My Favorite Brunette, Bob Hope stars as a bumbling photographer named Ronnie Jackson who dreams of becoming a private detective. His world is turned upside down when he is mistaken for a real detective and entangled in a web of espionage and murder. Dorothy Lamour co-stars as Carlotta Montay, the beautiful brunette who enlists Jackson's help to find her missing uncle. Along the way, they encounter a cast of eccentric characters, including the sinister Kismet (played by Peter Lorre), and a hilarious cameo by Bing Crosby.

The film opens with a comical introduction to Jackson's character. He is awaiting his big break as a photographer in Hollywood, convinced that his talent is not being recognized. When a beautiful woman walks into his studio by accident, he eagerly tries to impress her with his photography skills, but hilariously fails. However, things quickly turn serious as the woman, Carlotta Montay, explains that she is in need of a private detective to help find her uncle. Jackson, desperate for work, agrees to take the case and masquerade as a detective.

As Jackson delves deeper into the mystery, he encounters a host of strange and colorful characters. Kismet, a mysterious man with a fake eye, is constantly lurking in the shadows and seems to be following Jackson's every move. Despite his fear, Jackson is determined to solve the case and win Carlotta's heart. As he gets closer to discovering the truth, he finds himself in a life-threatening situation, with Kismet and his accomplices hot on his trail.

One of the standout aspects of My Favorite Brunette is Bob Hope's performance. His signature style of dry humor and quick wit is on full display throughout the film. His character is endearing in his bumbling incompetence, yet he is also cunning when he needs to be. Lamour provides a perfect foil to his comedic antics, with her smoldering beauty and quick intelligence. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, and their banter is a highlight of the movie.

Peter Lorre proves to be a formidable foe as Kismet, bringing his trademark sinister atmosphere to the role. His presence is menacing and unnerving, and he provides a real sense of danger to the plot. His scenes with Bob Hope provide a nice contrast, with Hope's comedy balancing out Lorre's intensity.

The film is also notable for its visual style. Director Elliott Nugent uses innovative camera techniques to create suspense and tension. In one scene, the camera slowly zooms in on Kismet's fake eye, creating a sense of unease in the viewer. The film also features several dream sequences, which provide a surreal and humorous break from the action.

Overall, My Favorite Brunette is a charming and entertaining movie that successfully blends comedy, suspense, and romance. It is a classic example of the Golden Age of Hollywood and remains a beloved film to this day. Bob Hope's performance is a standout, and the chemistry between him and Dorothy Lamour is electric. The presence of Peter Lorre adds a sense of menace to the plot, making for a well-rounded and enjoyable viewing experience.

My Favorite Brunette is a 1947 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.