The Amazing Mr. Williams

The Amazing Mr. Williams

Year: 1939

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: English

Director: Alexander Hall

ComedyMystery

Lieutenant Kenny Williams of the homicide squad is officially engaged to Maxine Carroll, the mayor’s secretary, but his relentless crime‑fighting constantly derails their dates. Frustrated by his absences, Maxine plots to force a wedding, turning their tug‑of‑war into a battle between her seductive charm and Kenny’s devotion to the badge.

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Timeline & Setting – The Amazing Mr. Williams (1939)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Amazing Mr. Williams (1939). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1930s

The events take place in the 1930s, a era of urban crime dramas and formal police procedure. Prohibition-era vibes linger in the social and criminal landscape, and the fashion, slang, and institutions reflect a city adjusting to crime and reform. The period’s public meetings and official discipline shape Kenny’s undercover mission.

Location

The story unfolds in a bustling American city with a busy police department, a mayor’s office, a bank, a racetrack, and a beach casino. This urban setting provides the backdrop for murders, investigations, public committees, and social events, reflecting the era’s urban crime drama. The city’s streets, casinos, and architecture set the tone for a classic 1930s crime comedy-drama.

🏙️ City setting 👮 Police-centric 🗳️ Political intrigue

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:31

Main Characters – The Amazing Mr. Williams (1939)

Meet the key characters of The Amazing Mr. Williams (1939), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Kenny Williams (Melvyn Douglas)

A capable detective who goes undercover and must balance professional duty with his desire for a normal life with Maxine. He’s quick, resourceful, and determined to solve cases, even when personal complications arise during the pursuit of criminals.

🎭 Detective 🕶️ Undercover 🧭 Determined

Maxine Carroll (Joan Blondell)

Secretary to the mayor, pragmatic and persuasive, she uses her influence to shape Kenny’s actions and their romance. She orchestrates moments that keep Kenny close while pressing him to consider his future, balancing affection with public life.

💼 Secretary 🧭 Persuasive 💖 Romantic

Buck Moseby (Edward Brophy)

A notorious convict who is introduced to Kenny as a prison transfer, his presence heightens tension and complicates the undercover operation. He serves as a foil who embodies the criminal side of the city.

🏷️ Convict 🧩 Criminal

Captain McGovern (Clarence Kolb)

The police captain who leads investigations and debates tactics, often pushing Kenny toward high-stakes undercover work. He represents authority and the political consequences of crime policy.

🏛️ Police Captain 🧭 Strategic

Detective Deever (Don Beddoe)

Kenny’s investigative ally who helps drive the case and maintains focus under pressure. He navigates procedural questions and supports the undercover plan.

🕵️‍♂️ Detective 🗒️ Partner

Lieutenant Bixler (Donald MacBride)

A pragmatic lieutenant who demands results and often challenges Kenny’s undercover approach. He anchors the official response to the crime wave and the investigation.

⚖️ Officer 🧭 Authority

Stanley (John Wray)

A burglar linked to the bank robbery who claims coercion, his testimony pulls at the threads of the case and reveals the crime’s complexity.

🗝️ Burglar 🧩 Suspect

Effie Perkins (Ruth Donnelly)

A supportive social presence who reacts to events around the couple and participates in wedding planning. She provides comic relief and helps anchor relationships within the story.

👩 Friend 😂 Comic

Mayor (Jonathan Hale)

The city’s mayor who presides over public committees and influences police actions through political oversight. His decisions reflect the intersection of crime and civic leadership.

🏛️ Politician 🗳️ Public figure

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:31

Major Themes – The Amazing Mr. Williams (1939)

Explore the central themes of The Amazing Mr. Williams (1939), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♀️ Disguise

Undercover work drives the plot, with Kenny Williams donning a disguise to trap the Phantom Slugger. The cross-dressing decoy tests loyalties and adds tension to the investigation. Disguise choices propel action and reveal character loyalties under pressure.

🗞️ Media Pressure

Public visibility and media coverage influence police decisions and political responses. Citizens committees and the mayor’s office respond to coverage, shaping the course of the investigation. The story uses the press to amplify conflict and drive decisions.

💘 Romance

A romance between Kenny and Maxine intertwines with duty, complicating judgments and risking careers. Maxine’s influence and wedding plans heighten the stakes of undercover work. Personal relationships clash with public service in a classic crime-capital romance thread.

⏳ Time Pressure

A 60-day suspension and ongoing case deadlines press the investigators to act quickly. Kenny balances undercover danger and his desire to resign for a normal life. Time constraints add urgency to every decision and arrest.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:31

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Narrative Summary

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Why These Movies?

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The Amazing Mr. Williams Summary

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The Amazing Mr. Williams Summary

The Amazing Mr. Williams Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Amazing Mr. Williams with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Amazing Mr. Williams Timeline

The Amazing Mr. Williams Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Amazing Mr. Williams Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Amazing Mr. Williams

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