Movie spotlight
Another Wild Idea
Betty's father has an invention that looks like a fancy camera; it emits an ultra-lavender ray that temporarily rids the ray's target of inhibitions. To test it, Betty's father zaps Charley hoping his newly-aberrant behavior will cause Betty to end her affections for the milquetoast. Dad's plan backfires: the invention works perfectly, Charley gets a backbone, and Betty loves her new forceful man. However, Charley's courage and lack of a superego get him in trouble with the law. He goes on trial for assaulting a bullying police officer. Is Charley going up the river leaving Betty high and dry?
Insights
Plot Summary
A mild-mannered inventor is driven to drastic measures when his plans for a peaceful utopian society are threatened by greedy industrialists and ambitious politicians. He decides to unleash a 'madness ray' upon the world to bring about chaos, hoping that from the ensuing pandemonium, a better society might emerge.
Critical Reception
This short-lived Paramount Pictures comedy was largely overlooked upon its release, failing to make a significant impact on critics or audiences.
What Reviewers Say
A quirky premise that doesn't quite land.
Underdeveloped characters hinder the comedic potential.
The film's satirical ambitions are not fully realized.
Google audience: Audience reception data for this early film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film's concept of a 'madness ray' was a relatively novel idea for its time, exploring themes of societal control and unintended consequences.
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