Short, tidy, and engrossing, "The Princess Comes Across" is an entertaining murder-mystery-comedy set aboard an ocean liner crossing from Le Havre to New York. The ship sails with an escaped murderer, a faux Swedish princess, a blackmailer, a Japanese detective, and a band leader with a past aboard. The second of four films co-starring Carole Lombard and Fred MacMurray, this fast-paced whodunnit was well directed by William K. Howard, a veteran of silent films, from a screenplay attributed to at least six writers; fortunately, the over abundance of cooks did not spoil the broth this time out.
Lombard is a delight throughout and does her best Greta Garbo impersonation as the Swedish Princess Olga, who is en route to Hollywood to make a movie. Displaying a fine singing voice, MacMurray is the concertina-playing band leader, King Martell, whose path crosses that of the Princess with predictable results. Both the Princess and the King play off amusing sidekicks; Allison Skipworth as Lady Gertrude is the Princess's snooty companion, while William Frawley plays Martell's cynical aide. A cohort of further fine support is provided by veterans Sig Ruman, Porter Hall, Mischa Auer, and Douglas Dumbrille.
While the plot has plenty of holes, director Howard keeps the proceedings brisk, and obvious deceptions and red herrings slip past. Lombard and MacMurray worked well together, and this vehicle was among their best pairings. While the plot will hold viewers' attention, the outstanding cast is the film's prime asset. "The Princess Comes Across" is a little gem well worth seeking out and is essential viewing for Lombard fans in particular.
Lombard is a delight throughout and does her best Greta Garbo impersonation as the Swedish Princess Olga, who is en route to Hollywood to make a movie. Displaying a fine singing voice, MacMurray is the concertina-playing band leader, King Martell, whose path crosses that of the Princess with predictable results. Both the Princess and the King play off amusing sidekicks; Allison Skipworth as Lady Gertrude is the Princess's snooty companion, while William Frawley plays Martell's cynical aide. A cohort of further fine support is provided by veterans Sig Ruman, Porter Hall, Mischa Auer, and Douglas Dumbrille.
While the plot has plenty of holes, director Howard keeps the proceedings brisk, and obvious deceptions and red herrings slip past. Lombard and MacMurray worked well together, and this vehicle was among their best pairings. While the plot will hold viewers' attention, the outstanding cast is the film's prime asset. "The Princess Comes Across" is a little gem well worth seeking out and is essential viewing for Lombard fans in particular.