The Perfect Clue

The Perfect Clue

Year: 1935

Runtime: 64 mins

Language: English

Director: Robert G. Vignola

ComedyCrime

Mona Stewart, the spoiled daughter of a wealthy man, flees after learning her father is engaged to a woman she despises. She hires ex‑con driver David Mannering and darts across the country, eluding her father's and fiancé Ronnie Van Zandt's pursuit. A budding romance ends when Mannering is arrested for murdering a crime‑syndicate boss.

The Perfect Clue (1935) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Perfect Clue (1935) 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 New York’s high society, Mona Stewart has always lived under the protective shadow of her father’s wealth. When a polished dinner party unveils her father’s sudden engagement to the cold and calculating Ursula Chesebrough, the news shatters Mona’s expectations and ignites a fierce resentment. Determined to escape the looming marriage and the suffocating expectations of her privileged life, she impulsively decides to flee, setting the stage for a daring, cross‑country adventure.

Her escape leads her into the path of David Mannering, a recently released ex‑con with a roguish charm and a past that hints at unfinished business. Though their first encounter is anything but smooth, the two strangers strike an uneasy partnership that quickly turns into an uneasy companionship as they crisscross the American landscape. Their journey is marked by sudden detours, unexpected obstacles, and a growing, tentative attraction that blurs the lines between trust and suspicion.

Meanwhile, the determined Ronnie Van Zandt, a longtime admirer of Mona whose affection borders on obsession, joins forces with her father, Jerome Stewart, to track her down. Their pursuit adds a relentless, sometimes comic, cat‑and‑mouse rhythm to the road trip, underscoring the clash between old‑world aristocracy and the gritty freedom of the open road. The film’s tone balances witty banter with moments of genuine tension, capturing the impulsive spirit of a young woman rebelling against her gilded cage while navigating the unpredictable company of a man whose past looms just out of view.

Amidst sweeping vistas and restless highways, the story explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the fragile line between freedom and danger. As Mona and David travel farther from the world they know, each mile brings new questions about who they are, what they truly want, and whether a forbidden romance can survive the shadows that follow them.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:14

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Quirky Cross-Country Crime Capers like The Perfect Clue

On-the-run adventures where crime and comedy collide on the open road.Discover movies like The Perfect Clue that blend a crime plot with a charming road trip. If you enjoyed the lighthearted adventure of a heiress and an ex-con on the run, you'll love these films where the journey is just as important as the mystery.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with an impulsive decision to flee, pairing two unlikely companions. Their journey is punctuated by comedic obstacles, growing affection, and a central crime that they must solve or escape. The structure is linear and travel-focused, using changing locations to introduce new characters and complications.

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Narrative Summary

The plot follows a clear investigative path, often involving a wrongful accusation or a frame-up that the protagonists must clear. The process of solving the crime naturally brings the central couple together, with their growing relationship providing the emotional core. The ending typically resolves both the mystery and the romance happily.

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These movies are connected by their specific balance of elements: a straightforward murder plot, a consistently light tone, a steady pace, and a central romance that develops alongside the investigation. They offer the satisfaction of a solved puzzle without the emotional weight of a grim thriller.

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The Perfect Clue Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Perfect Clue

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