JohnHowardReid A hiccup in the Torchy Blane series, "Torchy Blane in Panama" (1938), dropped the Farrell-MacLane combo in favor of Lola Lane and Paul Kelly. Despite an ingeniously fast-paced script and admirably deft direction by William Clemens, this entry was not popular with audiences who clamored for the restoration of Farrell and MacLane.Never one to disappoint the picture-going public, producer Bryan Foy rushed his original stars, Glenda Farrell and Barton MacLane, into "Torchy Gets Her Man" (1938). On this excursion, Torchy uncovers the brains behind a counterfeiting racket. Another tightly-written script, another great assembly of top-notch character players, plus -- would you believe? -- a really outstanding music score. Glenda Farrell so enjoyed Getting Her Man with director Bill Beaudine (who encouraged her to set a new record in speedy dialogue delivery), she specifically asked producer Bryan Foy to assign him to "Torchy Blane in Chinatown" (1939). Three or four critics actually regard this entry as the best in the series. Certainly the support line-up headed by Henry O'Neill, Patric Knowles and James Stephenson surpassed even the highest standards of the other entries.Stephenson, who was on the verge of major stardom after his riveting performance in "The Letter" (1940), died in 1941 just as he was about to reach the top. A stage-trained actor with a magnetic personality, rugged yet soulful features and an expressive voice of unique timbre and resonance, Stephenson never gave a less than compelling performance in his life. "Torchy Gets Her Man" was certainly no exception.

Michael_Elliott Torchy Gets Her Man (1938) ** 1/2 (out of 4) The sixth film in the Warner series has Glena Farrell returning to the role of reporter Torchy Blane. This time out she learns that her fiancé detective (Barton MacLane) is working with a government man as they two to capture a counterfeiter known as $100 Bailey. TORCHY GETS HER MAN is certainly a step up from the previous film, which was just downright flat due in large part to a weak story and the lack of Farrell. Thankfully the studio was able to get her back for this installment and there's no question that the picture is much better for it. As with the previous entries, the stories themselves aren't the greatest things out there but this here is good enough to at least keep you interested in everything that's going on and the cast just makes everything all the more entertaining. Farrell was certainly at ease in the role and I think her comic timing is right on the mark from start to finish and she just gives such a fun performance that you can't help but smile watching her work. MacLane, also back after missing the previous film, is good but there's no question that he's not given too much to do. Tom Kennedy nearly steals the film as the dimwitted driver and wannabe poet. The supporting cast doesn't feature any real stand outs but everyone is nice in their roles. I think the weakest thing about this entry is that director William Beaudine lives up to his reputation of just doing one take. There are some pretty ugly and cheap shots to be seen here and it takes the "B" level quality down a notch. Still, he at least keeps the film moving at a nice pace and fans of the series should be entertained.

bkoganbing One of the best of the Torchy Blane series is one that really puts her in the most danger in Torchy Gets Her Man. That title does not mean that Glenda Farrell and Barton MacLane finally wed. In fact the title is a misnomer in that the object of her story nearly gets Torchy with Geohagan thrown in for good measure.This is one bold as brass crook, a notorious counterfeiter played by Willard Robertson who impersonates a Secret Service man of all things. He's got a scam to use the racetrack to spread his phony bills and he's using the cops as shields because they think he's part of a sting.Torchy using the ever gullible Geohagan played by Tom Kennedy catches on, but they're both taken captive by the gang who plans to do them in. How she gets out is for you to see.Once again Tom Kennedy as lovable, but thick as an adobe brick Sergeant Geohagan steals the film. How he ever passed the civil service for the police is beyond me. And Barton MacLane turns out to be handy to have around.

gridoon2018 Like others here have observed, the "Torchy Blane" series by this point was moving further away from the mystery genre and more towards the crime-adventure genre. In fact, the one good twist of the plot is not only revealed to the audience halfway through, but Torchy herself never figures it out until it is revealed to her as well. Torchy is still smart, but no longer the smartest person, or should I say smartest living being, in the film; Glenda Farrell is still a winning lead, but the dog (a German Shepherd) steals the show. Overall, I would say that this series seems to be running out of steam. I did like Gahagan's racetrack-betting system, though. ** out of 4.