Watch Bureau of Missing Persons

Bureau of Missing Persons is a 1933 mystery/drama film that takes place in New York City. The film follows two detectives, Butch Saunders (Pat O'Brien) and Genevieve "Jinx" Stuart (Bette Davis), who work for the city's Bureau of Missing Persons. They are tasked with investigating cases of missing persons reported by concerned family and friends. Their work can be rather tedious and frustrating as most cases turn out to be runaways, misunderstandings, or just people who want to disappear.

However, things take a turn when a wealthy businessman, Michael Easton (Lewis Stone), walks into the bureau and reports his missing daughter. He tells them that she is a young woman, Mary, who tends to be impulsive and unpredictable. But, more concerning, Easton also mentions that she recently fell in with a bad crowd and may be in danger. Saunders and Stuart take the case and quickly discover that Mary has a boyfriend who is involved in some shady dealings.

As they investigate further, they encounter a cast of characters including crooked politicians, seedy nightclub owners, and ruthless gangsters. The stakes are high as Mary's life hangs in the balance, and Saunders and Stuart must utilize all their skills and resources to find her before it's too late.

What makes this film stand out is the chemistry and banter between the two lead detectives. O'Brien and Davis play off each other perfectly, with O'Brien portraying Saunders as a world-weary cop, who is practical and street-smart, while Davis's Stuart is smart and quick-witted, always ready with a comeback. Their dynamic is reminiscent of classic buddy cop movies and is one of the highlights of the film.

Another strong point of the Bureau of Missing Persons is that it does an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere of 1930s New York City. The city is portrayed as a gritty, dark place with looming skyscrapers and shadowy alleyways. The film's noirish visuals add to the overall feeling of suspense and danger.

The supporting cast is also noteworthy, especially Lewis Stone as the desperate father and Alan Dinehart as his duplicitous business associate. The film also features a number of character actors who went on to have successful careers in Hollywood and were regulars in B-movies and TV shows.

Although the film is a product of its time and has some dated elements, including stereotypical portrayals of ethnic minorities, it remains an entertaining and engaging mystery/drama. The plot is fast-paced, and the action never slows down, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience on the edge of their seat.

In conclusion, Bureau of Missing Persons is a well-crafted film with excellent performances, a strong plot, and a perfect blend of mystery, drama, and action. It's a testament to the talents of the cast and crew that the film still holds up almost 90 years after its initial release. Whether you're a fan of classic Hollywood cinema or just looking for an engaging and exciting movie, Bureau of Missing Persons is definitely worth a watch.