Having Wonderful Crime (1945)

"Not so fast, my skirt's too tight." ~ Helene Justus

In 1945 Carole starred in the screwball comedy Having Wonderful Crime. She had the leading role of Helene Justus, a ditzy newlywed who gets involved in a murder mystery while on her honeymoon. 20th Century Fox loaned her to RKO to make this movie. The cast includes George Murphy (as Helene's new husband), Pat O'Brien, Lenore Aubert, George Zucco, and Chili Williams. Carole and Pat O'Brien had been friends since 1937 and had worked together in Secret Command. She and George Murphy had co-starred in The Powers Girl. Having Wonderful Crime was based on the book by Craig Rice. It was directed by Eddie Sutherland who was one of Carole's close friends.

Carole with Pat O'Brien and George Murphy

The costumes were designed by Edward Stevenson. Some of the outfits were later re-worn by actress Jane Greer. It was filmed on location in Del Monte, Carmel, and Malibu Lake from April 25 until July 1, 1944. During this time Carole was having marital problems with Tommy Wallace and in May she was hospitalized after a suicide attempt. She returned to the set several days later. Having Wonderful Crime was released on April 12, 1945. Unfortunately the movie was not a box-office hit. Although most of the reviews were mixed many critics said that Carole gave one of her best performances.