Alibi Bye Bye (1935) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The primary locations are a hotel and a photography studio that specializes in creating fake alibi photographs for unfaithful spouses. Atlantic City serves as the perfect backdrop for this comedic tale of infidelity and deception, with its boardwalk atmosphere adding to the film's lighthearted tone.

• atlantic city
• new jersey
• hotel
• setting
• photography studio

The film is set in the 1930s, reflecting the era when it was produced. The setting captures the social conventions of the period, particularly regarding marriage and infidelity, which provides the foundation for the comedic premise of spouses seeking fraudulent alibis.

• 1930s
• era
• time period
• 1935

The core theme is deception, the film revolves around fake alibis and manipulated photographs that disguise the truth. Photographers profit by creating convincing narratives for cheating spouses, and this deception drives the escalating comic tension throughout the hotel setting.

• deception
• alibi
• fake photos
• theme
• lies

Identity is a central theme, with characters using aliases and disguises to hide their real motives. The mismatches between facades and reality create humorous misunderstandings. The pursuit of authentic identity runs beneath the chaotic hotel atmosphere, as characters try to uncover the truth about one another.

• identity
• aliases
• disguise
• theme
• masquerade

The film is a classic comedy of errors, featuring mistaken alibis, frantic chases through hotel hallways, and farcical set-pieces. Characters are continually outwitted by suspicion and circumstance, culminating in a chaotic escape attempt. Visual gags, rapid exchanges, and disguises drive the humor throughout.

• comedy of errors
• farce
• slapstick
• humor
• mistaken identities

Snoops (played by Tom Kennedy) is the house detective at the hotel. He is persistent, suspicious, and serves as the straight man who drives the investigation forward. His sharp instincts set the comedic investigation in motion as clues pile up amid the hotel chaos.

• snoops
• tom kennedy
• house detective
• investigator

Flash (played by Bobby Clark) is the alibi photographer who collaborates with Blodgett to stage fake photographs for wayward spouses. He thrives on quick schemes and quick improvisation, constantly improvising solutions as trouble closes in during the hotel's escalating chaos.

• flash
• bobby clark
• photographer
• alibi scheme

Connie Nimrod (played by Constance Bergen) is a married woman seeking an alibi to cover her travels to Atlantic City. She becomes drawn into the photographers' scheme and navigates the hotel's chaos while keeping her secret, portrayed as resourceful and cautious.

• connie nimrod
• constance bergen
• married woman
• alibi

Bud Nimrod (played by Bud Jamison) is the husband who claims to be hunting moose in Maine but becomes unknowingly entangled in the alibi ruse. He is straightforward and suspicious, and his presence increases the tension as the elaborate alibis collide with reality.

• bud nimrod
• bud jamison
• husband
• moose hunt
• suspicions

The hotel serves as the central stage for the entire plot, acting as a cramped space where matchmaking, misdirection, and frantic pursuit unfold. Guests and staff become entangled in the photographers' schemes, with the hotel's everyday rhythm, managed by J.N. Martin and staff like Dolly, the maid, and desk clerk, amplifying the comedy amid the alibi caper.

• hotel
• j.n. martin
• manager
• staff
• atlantic city hotel

Flash and Blodgett run a photography studio that creates fake 'proof' photos for unfaithful spouses. They stage fake backdrops and scenarios to give cheating partners alibis, charging money for these fraudulent services. Their scheme unravels when all the cheating partners unexpectedly encounter each other at the hotel.

• alibi
• photography
• scheme
• fake photos
• flash
• blodgett