Watch One Body Too Many

One Body Too Many is a comedic mystery film from 1944, directed by Frank McDonald and starring Jack Haley, Jean Parker, and Bela Lugosi. The movie follows the misadventures of timid insurance salesman Albert Tuttle (Jack Haley) as he becomes embroiled in a murder investigation at a spooky old mansion. The story begins with Tuttle arriving at the estate of wealthy Mr. Cyrus J. Rutherford, tasked with delivering a life insurance policy to the man. However, upon his arrival, Tuttle discovers that Rutherford has just passed away - and the bizarre family members who inhabit the estate seem to have their own agendas when it comes to the unusual circumstances of the death.

As Tuttle attempts to navigate the labyrinthine mansion and make sense of the suspicious characters he encounters, the body count continues to rise. Bela Lugosi is wonderfully creepy as the ominous caretaker, while Jean Parker provides a love interest for Tuttle in the form of headstrong secretary Carol Dunlap. The movie also features a young Douglas Fowley as a shady private investigator, and Charles Dingle as the suspicious executor of Rutherford's will.

One Body Too Many balances its comedic and mysterious elements well, with slapstick hijinks often interrupted by moments of genuine tension and intrigue. The film's pacing is brisk, with each new development or twist quickly leading the audience down a new path of suspicion. The creepy mansion setting is also effectively utilized, with shadows, creaking doors, and secret passageways all contributing to the sense of unease.

The highlight of the film must be Jack Haley's performance as Albert Tuttle. Best known for his role as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, Haley proves himself a capable leading man, delivering his lines with a dry wit and playing well off the eccentric supporting cast. Tuttle's gradual emergence from cowardice to bravery is a satisfying character arc, and Haley brings a likable everyman quality to the role.

Overall, One Body Too Many is an enjoyable mystery-comedy that manages to blend its disparate elements into a cohesive whole. While it may not be a classic on the level of some of its contemporaries, it's a solid example of the B-movie genre and an enjoyable watch for fans of old Hollywood mysteries.

One Body Too Many is a 1944 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.