Behind the Eight Ball
“FUN STARS ! TUNE-STARS! LOVE-STARS! Hep-steppers and Happy Honeys!”
Synopsis
The story takes place at a summer theater in the Berkshire Mountains, where heroine Joan Barry (Carol Bruce) is staging a Broadway-bound musical comedy. Only one problem: two guest stars are shot and killed on two successive evenings, right in front of the audience. Hoping to solve the mystery, detective William Demarest demands that everyone -- actors and theatergoers alike -- return the following weekend to restage the show. But with no major performer willing to assume the fatal guest-star slot, Joan is forced to hire the Three Jolly Jesters (Al, Harry and Jimmy Ritz), Manhattan washroom attendants with showbiz aspirations.
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
December 4, 1942
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Edward F. Cline
- Screenplay & Story
- Stanley Roberts, Mel Ronson
- Original Title
- Behind the Eight Ball
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 0m
- Production Studios
- Universal Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Edward F. Cline
Stanley Roberts, Mel Ronson
George Robinson
Department Leadership Roster
Edward F. Cline
Director
Stanley Roberts
Screenplay
Mel Ronson
Screenplay
George Robinson
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Behind the Eight Ball.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Behind the Eight Ball
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Behind the Eight Ball about?
The story takes place at a summer theater in the Berkshire Mountains, where heroine Joan Barry (Carol Bruce) is staging a Broadway-bound musical comedy. Only one problem: two guest stars are shot and killed on two successive evenings, right in front of the audience. Hoping to solve the mystery, detective William Demarest demands that everyone -- actors and theatergoers alike -- return the following weekend to restage the show. But with no major performer willing to assume the fatal guest-star slot, Joan is forced to hire the Three Jolly Jesters (Al, Harry and Jimmy Ritz), Manhattan washroom attendants with showbiz aspirations.
Who directed Behind the Eight Ball?
Behind the Eight Ball was directed by Edward F. Cline.
Who stars in Behind the Eight Ball?
The principal cast of Behind the Eight Ball includes Al Ritz, Jimmy Ritz, Harry Ritz, Carol Bruce, Dick Foran.
When was Behind the Eight Ball released and how long is it?
Behind the Eight Ball was released in 1942 with a total runtime of 1h 0m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Behind the Eight Ball?
Behind the Eight Ball holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).