A struggling P.I. (Melvyn Douglas) is ready to beg the D.A. for his old job back, and his spouse (Joan Blondell) is closing up shop when a mysterious woman (Mary Astor) shows up with a retainer. There's no black bird, but there are murders and double-crosses, as the couple works the case in this crackling mystery-comedy. Jerome Cowan, Frances Drake co-star; keep an eye out for an uncredited Rita Hayworth as a secretary. 81 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.