Watch Who's Harry Crumb

Who's Harry Crumb is a 1989 comedy/mystery film that stars John Candy as the titular character, a bumbling private investigator. The film was directed by Paul Flaherty and produced by Candy's production company, with a screenplay by Robert Conte and Peter Martin Wortmann. The story follows Harry Crumb, a hapless private detective who works for his family's agency, Crumb & Crumb. Harry is assigned to the case of Jennifer Downing, the daughter of a wealthy industrialist, who has been kidnapped. Harry's investigation takes him to different locations and introduces him to various eccentric and suspicious characters who serve as leads and suspects in the case.

Throughout the film, Harry's incompetence and clumsiness result in several comic mishaps and setbacks, causing him to bungle his way through the investigation. However, Harry's ridiculousness often proves to be an asset, providing unexpected benefits and insights that ultimately help him solve the case.

Jeffrey Jones plays Eliot Draisen, Jennifer's greedy and manipulative stepfather, who is the prime suspect in her kidnapping. Annie Potts plays Helen Downing, Jennifer's mother, who becomes Harry's love interest throughout the film. The supporting cast also includes Tim Thomerson as Vince Barnes, the investigating police officer, and Shawnee Smith as Nikki Downing, Jennifer's rebellious younger sister.

Who's Harry Crumb is a classic John Candy film, showcasing his skills as a comedic actor. Candy's portrayal of Harry Crumb is both hilarious and endearing, creating a memorable character who is both likable and ridiculous. The film's writing and direction are also strong, providing a balance of comedic and thrilling moments that hold the audience's attention throughout the story.

The film's setting and tone evoke a classic film noir style, with a vintage aesthetic and moody lighting. The score by Michel Colombier also contributes to the film's nostalgic atmosphere, with a jazzy soundtrack that complements the film's theme.

As the investigation unfolds, Harry's incompetence appears to be no match for the clever and diabolical kidnapper. However, Harry's quirky approach and unconventional methods ultimately lead him to uncover the identity of the kidnapper and solve the case, with a surprising twist that ties up loose ends and provides a satisfying conclusion.

Overall, Who's Harry Crumb is a charming and entertaining film that showcases John Candy's comedic talent and delivers an enjoyable and suspenseful story. The film holds up as a classic comedy/mystery and is a must-see for fans of the genre and John Candy's work.

Who's Harry Crumb is a 1989 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 44.