Year: 1938
Runtime: 80 mins
Language: English
Director: Leigh Jason
Socialite Melsa Manton, famed for her beauty and vivacity, discovers a murdered body that vanishes. Police and sensational press immediately label her a prankster, pressuring her to clear her name. Undeterred, she uses her social influence and quick wit to outmaneuver investigators and locate the missing corpse, turning the scandal into a tense battle.
Get a spoiler-free look at The Mad Miss Manton (1938) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the glittering world of Manhattan’s elite, Melsa Manton is a celebrated socialite whose charm and quick wit have made her a fixture at every charity ball and cocktail party. Her reputation for lively banter and an unflappable confidence masks a keen intelligence that keeps her one step ahead of the gossip columns that chase her every move. The city’s buzz is a constant backdrop, a place where reputation is currency and a single misstep can become headline news.
When a startling, inexplicable incident occurs during a midnight stroll—an unsettling discovery that vanishes as quickly as it appears—Mike Brent, the city’s weary lieutenant, and a sensationalist press seize upon it as the latest scandal. The media, led by a razor‑sharp editorialist, Peter Ames, brand Melsa a frivolous prankster, turning a private curiosity into a public spectacle. The tension between the law‑enforcement’s casual indifference and the press’s voracious appetite creates a pressure cooker atmosphere that threatens to eclipse her hard‑won standing.
Undeterred, Melsa marshals her circle of acquaintances, from loyal friends to spirited rivals, using her social influence and razor‑sharp humor to outmaneuver both the investigators and the headlines. Her efforts become a game of cat‑and‑mouse played across opulent mansions, bustling beauty salons, and the shadowy underbelly of the city’s construction sites. Through clever manipulation of public perception and a determined refusal to be dismissed, she transforms a potential humiliation into a daring contest of wits.
The film glides between moments of elegant sophistication and razor‑edge tension, blending classic noir suspense with sparkling repartee. As alliances shift and the stakes rise, the story balances on the razor’s edge of reputation versus truth, leaving the audience to wonder whether Melsa’s charm and cleverness can restore her name—or whether the relentless glare of the press will rewrite her story entirely.
Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:08
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Witty amateurs turn high-society scandal into a deadly game of wits.If you enjoyed the clever antics of Melsa Manton, you'll love these movies featuring sharp-witted socialites and amateurs who solve crimes. Discover similar stories of glamorous scandal, antagonistic romance, and fast-paced mystery where charm is the ultimate weapon.
These narratives typically begin with a crime that disrupts a comfortable world, forcing a protagonist who is initially dismissed to take matters into their own hands. The journey involves outsmarting both the criminals and skeptical authorities, often using social connections and unconventional methods, culminating in a public vindication and resolution of a burgeoning romance.
They are grouped by their shared focus on a specific character archetype—the defiant, resourceful amateur detective—and the unique tension that arises when serious crime collides with a glamorous, high-society setting, all delivered with a brisk, energetic pace.
Where rapid-fire banter and romantic sparks fly amidst a dangerous investigation.Looking for more movies like The Mad Miss Manton that mix murder mystery with screwball romance? This list features thrilling investigations driven by quick-witted banter, defiant heroes, and a lighthearted tone that keeps the suspense enjoyable.
The plot hinges on a central mystery that forces two strong-willed, often clashing characters to work together. Their investigative partnership is a battleground of wits and wordplay, with the shared danger fueling a competitive yet undeniable attraction. The narrative weaves between cliffhanger suspense and comedic set-pieces, resolving both the crime and the romantic conflict in a satisfying, happy conclusion.
This thread unites films based on their distinctive tonal mix: the specific combination of genuine mystery suspense with the verbal dexterity, romantic antagonism, and fizzy energy characteristic of screwball comedies.
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Mad Miss Manton in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Mad Miss Manton is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
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The Mad Miss Manton (1938) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
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