Despite its very disappointing conclusion, this is one of Mickey Rooney's most appealing "B" vehicles. In fact, he makes a first-rate con-man, while Eddie Bracken provides the ideal foil for Rooney's "gas". And although she's neither costumed nor photographed very attractively, I also really liked Elaine Stewart's seductive heroine. Another plus is that some of my favorite character players, including Charles Halton, Dabbs Greer, Douglas Fowley and Ida Moore can be glimpsed momentarily in support cameos. For once, Don Weis's direction is unusually capable, while the film editing of all the 2nd unit, stunt and studio shots is nothing if not remarkably smooth. And there's at least one stand-out comedy sequence with a runaway van that features Rooney mugging away most delightfully.
Review of A Slight Case of Larceny
