Muss 'em Up

Famous private detective Tip O'Neil is summoned by telegram to the estate of old friend Paul Harding, but finds the telegram was sent by Paul's attractive secretary, Amy Hutchins. Paul admits his dog was shot by extortionists to show they mean business, and shows Tip some threatening notes they sent. That night, Paul's ward, Corinne, is kidnapped by two gangsters and her driver is found dead the next morning. The kidnappers contact Tip demanding $200,000, which is delivered according to instructions. Awaiting the return of Corrine, Tip learns her fiancé, Gene Leland, is an ex-convict, and he also investigates why a thug, Maratti, was found prowling around the grounds, and why Paul's brother-in-law, Jim Glenray, was seen leaving the estate late the night before. And when the chauffeur is murdered with Amy's gun as he was about to confess some complicity, Tip has to piece together various clues to pinpoint the culprits.

5.5

70 min

Cast

Preston Foster

as Tip O'Neil

Margaret Callahan

as Amy Hutchins

Alan Mowbray

as Paul Harding

Ralph Morgan

as Jim Glenray

Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams

as 'Red' Cable

Maxie Rosenbloom

as Snake

Molly Lamont

as Nancy Harding

John Carroll

as Gene Leland

Florine McKinney

as Corinne

Robert Middlemass

as Inspector Brock

Noel Madison

as Tony Spivali, Gambler

Maxine Jennings

as Cleo

Harold Huber

as Maratti

Clarence Muse

as William

Paul Porcasi

as Luigi Turseniani, Head of the Mob

Ward Bond

as John Doe, a Gangster

John Adair

as John Doe, Jr.-a Gangster

Florence Lake

as Tony's Girlfriend (uncredited)

Lucille Ball

as Departing Train Passenger (uncredited)

Willie Best

as Janitor at Spivali's Bar (uncredited)

Director

Charles Vidor