ONE TOO MANY (MIXED-UP WOMEN)

(director: Erle C. Kenton; screenwriters: Mildred A. Horn/Malcolm Stuart Boylan/story by Kroger Babb; cinematographer: Carl Berger; editor: Edward Mann music: Bert Shefter; cast: Ruth Warrick (Helen Mason), Richard Travis (Bob Mason), Rhys Williams (Michael H. ‘Sully’ Sullivan), Mary Young (Mrs. Sullivan), Victor Kilian (Frank Emory), William Tracy (Billy Leighton), Onslow Stevens (Dr. Foster), Thurston Hall (Kenneth Simes), Ginger Prince (Ginger Mason), Lyle Talbot (Mr. Boyer), Louis Da Pron (Dancer); Runtime: 110; MPAA Rating: NR; producer: Kroger Babb; Sinister /Hallmark Entertainment; 1950)

“Though filmed as a bleak soap opera, it comes with a happy ending.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

The title refers to an alcohol problem for a former classical pianist who is now a housewife (Ruth Warrick). Her life is destroyed until saved by joining Alcoholics Anonymous. Warwick’s realistic performance makes the film watchable. Forgotten journeyman director Erle C. Kenton(“House of Dracula”/”House of Frankenstein”/”Island of Lost Souls”) is known for some good horror films, as well as many schlock films. In his last film, he does an adequate job putting together this social message film. Though filmed as a bleak soap opera, it comes with a happy ending.

The story was written by schlocky horror producer Kroger Babb.

Robert Travis plays Ruth’s reporter husband. Rhys Williams plays a bartender, who is an AA-member supporting Ruth in her effort to recover. Thurston Hall plays Robert’s stuffy newspaper boss, who has no tolerance for those with drinking problems until he sees the light.

Scariest moment in the pic has Ruth in the “psycho ward” in a straitjacket.

REVIEWED ON 9/19/2015 GRADE: C+