The Mad Miss Manton (1938)

In the bustling heart of New York City, lives the eccentric socialite, Melsa Manton, renowned for her outrageous pranks that have put the city on edge. One night, her mischief takes a turn for the worse when she reportedly uncovers a dead body in the deserted mansion of affluent couple, Charles and Sheila Lane. However, when the police arrive, led by the skeptical Lieutenant Brent, the body mysteriously vanishes, casting Melsa into a storm of controversy. Adding fuel to the fire is newspaper editor Peter Ames, who launches a scathing front-page critique of Melsa's seemingly scandalous exploits, painting her as a wolf crying girl. But Melsa, certain of her encounter with the corpse, is determined to clear her name. She assembles her band of defiant debutantes, and together they embark on a whirlwind investigation, aiming to outsmart Brent, Ames, and the police with their sharp wit and unwavering spirit. The plot thickens when the bodies of Charles Lane and Ronnie Beldon, an acquaintance Melsa saw fleeing the Lane's mansion, materialize, seemingly vindicating Melsa. Yet, the threat looms larger than ever as Melsa is now a suspect and her life is in danger. Amidst the chaos, Ames finds himself falling for the madcap Melsa and weaves himself into the investigation. But can Melsa trust him, or is he just after an exclusive scoop? As this madcap adventure unfolds, Melsa and her debutante detectives navigate a web of intrigue and danger, spinning circles around the police, the suspects, and the press. They're determined to crack the case, even if it means outfoxing the very institutions designed to solve it. This tale, brimming with wit, humor, and suspense, is a thrilling ride through the glittering streets of New York, where nothing is as it seems, and everyone has a secret to hide.

The Mad Miss Manton is a comedy movie featuring Barbara Stanwyck.

The Mad Miss Manton is currently streaming on TCM.