Smash and Grab

"Smash and Grab" (1937) stars Jack Buchanan and Elsie Randolph in a relatively obscure British echo of the "Thin Man". Married detectives as Wiliam Powell and Myrna Loy brilliantly portrayed, they bring comedy and mystery together in a similar manner, but with some improvements, in our opinion. The Loy character (Nora) was much more passive than this Randolph (Alice) wife-detective, who takes an active part in solving the crimes. Powell (Nick) was often demeaning to his partner, unlike the role equality scripted here for the British team. Buchanan and Randolph worked together in other films of the time as well.

The plot involves a series of high-end jewel robberies in Britain and France. Despite quips and slips, the pair connects them together and solves the case. The insurance companies live happily ever after. No special effects or gratuitous violence (other than broken glass) in this one, just good acting.