Watch The Whole Town's Talking

The Whole Town's Talking is a 1935 comedy directed by John Ford and starring Edward G. Robinson, Jean Arthur, and Arthur Hohl. The film tells the story of Arthur Ferguson Jones (Robinson), a mild-mannered clerk who is constantly mistaken for a notorious gangster named Killer Mannion. Jones ends up being framed for robbery and multiple murders, and the police are on the lookout for him. As he tries to prove his innocence and clear his name, he gets a helping hand from a streetwise young woman named Wilhelmina Clark (Arthur).

The movie has a compelling twist on the classic mistaken identity trope as the mild-mannered Jones and the notorious gangster Mannion are played by the same person, Robinson. At first, Jones is thrilled to be mistaken for a criminal mastermind as he enjoys the attention and perks that come with it. But as the situation becomes more perilous, Jones realizes it's not as much fun as he thought it would be.

Wilhelmina Clark is the love interest, and Arthur gives an excellent performance as a spunky, independent woman who isn't afraid to take charge of the situation. As Jones and Clark team up to clear his name, they become closer and share some amusing banter along the way.

The Whole Town's Talking isn't just a comedy; it's also a crime thriller that keeps the audience on their toes. The film features some intense scenes, such as when Jones is kidnapped by Mannion's gang and taken to their hideout. The tension is palpable, and the scene is well-executed.

The movie also touches on themes such as the corrupting influence of power and the importance of self-identity. Jones initially enjoys being mistaken for Mannion and indulges in the power trip that comes with it, but he quickly realizes that it's not worth compromising his principles.

Edward G. Robinson delivers an excellent performance as both Jones and Mannion, showcasing his range as an actor. Robinson convincingly portrays two vastly different characters and manages to make them distinct from one another. His portrayal of Mannion is particularly memorable, with his menacing demeanor and cold, calculating stare.

The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, with Arthur Hohl standing out as Mannion's right-hand man, Healy. Hohl plays the slimy, cynical character to a tee, and his scenes with Robinson are particularly entertaining.

Director John Ford's signature style is evident throughout the film, with well-shot scenes and impressive cinematography. The film moves along at a brisk pace, and there's never a dull moment.

Overall, The Whole Town's Talking is a thoroughly enjoyable film that blends comedy, thriller, and drama elements into an entertaining package. With its clever plot, memorable characters, and excellent performances, it's a classic that deserves to be more widely known.

The Whole Town's Talking is a 1935 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.