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Girl in the Case (1944)
Starring: Edmund Lowe, Janis Carter, Robert B. Williams
Director: William Berke (with uncredited work by Budd Boetticher)
Genre: Mystery / Comedy
Runtime: ~65 minutes
Plot Summary
William Warner (Edmund Lowe) is a sharp defense attorney with an unusual hobby: he collects locks and can open almost any of them. This eccentric skill becomes the hinge of the story. When a mysterious man arrives with a locked chest containing a secret chemical formula, Warner is unwittingly drawn into a Nazi spy ring’s scheme. His wife Myra (Janis Carter), already exasperated by his obsession with locks, becomes entangled in the escalating danger.
The film blends light comedy with wartime intrigue—very much a “programmer” picture of the era: brisk, unpretentious, and built around a single clever gimmick.
Cast
- Edmund Lowe — William Warner
- Janis Carter — Myra Warner
- Robert B. Williams — Malloy
- Richard Hale — John Heyser
- Stanley Clements, Tom Kennedy, and others in supporting roles
Production Notes
- Originally directed by William Berke, but Budd Boetticher stepped in uncredited after Berke was removed.
- Boetticher later recalled it as a quick, short‑schedule assignment—typical of Columbia’s B‑unit output during the war years.
Catholic & Moral Themes
Even though this is a light mystery-comedy, it still offers material for your devotional and moral‑reading lens:
1. The Danger of Harmless Obsessions
Warner’s lock‑picking hobby seems trivial, even charming—but it blinds him to real danger.
Moral angle: Small habits, when unexamined, can become vulnerabilities. This aligns with the Ignatian call to daily examen and custody of the senses.
2. Marriage, Patience, and Mutual Correction
Myra’s frustration with her husband’s compulsions reflects the tension between personal quirks and marital unity.
Moral angle: Charity in marriage includes honest correction, perseverance, and the willingness to sacrifice personal preferences for the good of the other.
3. Truth vs. Deception in Wartime
The Nazi spy subplot—though played lightly—still underscores the moral clarity of resisting evil and protecting the innocent.
Moral angle: Even in comedic settings, the film affirms the duty to stand against falsehood and manipulation.
Hospitality Pairing (Era‑Appropriate)
For your classic‑film evenings:
Cocktail: The 1940s “Bronx”
A popular pre‑war and wartime drink—balanced, citrusy, and elegant.
- Gin
- Sweet vermouth
- Dry vermouth
- Orange juice
Shake and serve up. Light, brisk, and fitting for a mystery-comedy with urban flair.
Snack Pairing: Buttered Popcorn + Spiced Nuts
Reflects the B‑movie, second‑feature spirit—simple, unfussy, and comforting.
If You Want a Thematic Devotional Tie‑In
A short reflection could center on:
“Guard the door of my heart, Lord, that no small habit becomes an entry point for the enemy.”
This pairs beautifully with Warner’s lock‑picking motif and the spiritual discipline of vigilance.
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