Muss 'em Up
“It's a gripping chapter in our great war on the underworld!”
Synopsis
Famous private detective Tip O'Neil is summoned by telegram to the estate of old friend Paul Harding, but finds the telegram was sent by Paul's attractive secretary, Amy Hutchins. Paul admits his dog was shot by extortionists to show they mean business, and shows Tip some threatening notes they sent. That night, Paul's ward, Corinne, is kidnapped by two gangsters and her driver is found dead the next morning. The kidnappers contact Tip demanding $200,000, which is delivered according to instructions. Awaiting the return of Corrine, Tip learns her fiancé, Gene Leland, is an ex-convict, and he also investigates why a thug, Maratti, was found prowling around the grounds, and why Paul's brother-in-law, Jim Glenray, was seen leaving the estate late the night before. And when the chauffeur is murdered with Amy's gun as he was about to confess some complicity, Tip has to piece together various clues to pinpoint the culprits.
Top Cast
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Preston Foster
Tip O'Neil
Margaret Callahan
Amy Hutchins
Alan Mowbray
Paul Harding
Ralph Morgan
Jim Glenray
Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams
'Red' Cable
Maxie Rosenbloom
Snake
Molly Lamont
Nancy Harding
John Carroll
Gene Leland
Florine McKinney
Corinne
Robert Middlemass
Inspector Brock
Noel Madison
Tony Spivali, Gambler
Maxine Jennings
Cleo
Harold Huber
Maratti
Clarence Muse
William
Paul Porcasi
Luigi Turseniani, Head of the Mob
Ward Bond
John Doe, a Gangster
John Adair
John Doe, Jr.-a Gangster
Florence Lake
Tony's Girlfriend (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
February 13, 1936
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Charles Vidor
- Screenplay & Story
- Erwin S. Gelsey
- Original Title
- Muss 'em Up
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 10m
- Production Studios
- RKO Radio Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Charles Vidor
Erwin S. Gelsey, James Edward Grant
J. Roy Hunt
Pandro S. Berman
Department Leadership Roster
Charles Vidor
Director
J. Roy Hunt
Director of Photography
Erwin S. Gelsey
Screenplay
Pandro S. Berman
Producer
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 Muss 'em Up.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Muss 'em Up.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Muss 'em Up
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Muss 'em Up about?
Famous private detective Tip O'Neil is summoned by telegram to the estate of old friend Paul Harding, but finds the telegram was sent by Paul's attractive secretary, Amy Hutchins. Paul admits his dog was shot by extortionists to show they mean business, and shows Tip some threatening notes they sent. That night, Paul's ward, Corinne, is kidnapped by two gangsters and her driver is found dead the next morning. The kidnappers contact Tip demanding $200,000, which is delivered according to instructions. Awaiting the return of Corrine, Tip learns her fiancé, Gene Leland, is an ex-convict, and he also investigates why a thug, Maratti, was found prowling around the grounds, and why Paul's brother-in-law, Jim Glenray, was seen leaving the estate late the night before. And when the chauffeur is murdered with Amy's gun as he was about to confess some complicity, Tip has to piece together various clues to pinpoint the culprits.
Who directed Muss 'em Up?
Muss 'em Up was directed by Charles Vidor.
Who stars in Muss 'em Up?
The principal cast of Muss 'em Up includes Preston Foster, Margaret Callahan, Alan Mowbray, Ralph Morgan, Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams.
When was Muss 'em Up released and how long is it?
Muss 'em Up was released in 1936 with a total runtime of 1h 10m.
Is Muss 'em Up based on a book or true story?
Muss 'em Up is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "James Edward Grant".
What is the age rating and content advisory for Muss 'em Up?
Muss 'em Up holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).