The 1937 musical comedy Double or Nothing, starring Bing Crosby and Martha Raye, arrives on Blu-ray February 17th via the Universal Vault Series, offering a welcome upgrade for fans of classic Hollywood. The film, directed by Theodore Reed, isn’t necessarily a landmark of the genre, but its charm lies in its breezy pace, the undeniable chemistry between its leads, and a supporting cast brimming with familiar faces. This release is part of Universal’s ongoing effort to bring lesser-known, but historically significant, films to high definition, and represents a boon for cinephiles seeking to expand their collections beyond the usual blockbusters. The enduring appeal of Double or Nothing rests on its lighthearted premise and the talents of its performers, making it a worthwhile addition to any classic film library.
The story centers around an eccentric millionaire, Axel Clark, who devises a peculiar test of human honesty. Following his death, his lawyer distributes wallets containing $100 each, hoping to identify individuals who will return the money. Four honest citizens do just that, and are then presented with a challenge: double the $5,000 they’ve been given within 30 days to inherit Clark’s entire estate. Naturally, greedy relatives, cut out of the will, attempt to sabotage their efforts. The plot, whereas simple, provides a framework for a series of comedic situations and showcases Crosby’s evolving screen persona. The film’s central conceit, a playful exploration of integrity, feels surprisingly relevant even today.
A Final Pairing: Crosby and Raye’s Comedic Synergy
Opposite Bing Crosby is the effervescent Martha Raye as Liza Lou Lane, marking the third and final time the duo shared the screen. Raye, nicknamed “The Big Mouth,” brought a unique energy to her performances, honed through years in vaudeville, beginning on stage at the age of three. She previously appeared with Crosby in the 1936 cowboy musical Rhythm on the Range and Waikiki Wedding, according to available filmographies. Beyond her comedic timing, Raye was deeply committed to supporting U.S. Troops during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, a dedication recognized with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award Oscar in 1969 – she was the first woman to receive the honor – and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1993. Her tireless work entertaining service members underscores a life lived beyond the spotlight.
From Sennett Shorts to Romantic Leads: Crosby’s Rise
By 1937, Bing Crosby had already established himself as a popular performer, transitioning from a string of Mack Sennett musical comedy shorts to a leading man at Paramount Pictures. Double or Nothing reflects a shift in Crosby’s on-screen presence, as he moved beyond simply playing himself and began to embody more nuanced romantic leads. He’s partnered here with Mary Carlisle, who also played his love interest in 1933’s College Humor and again in 1938’s Doctor Rhythm. Carlisle retired from film in the early 1940s after marrying James Edward Blakeley, a future 20th Century Fox producer. Remarkably, she lived to the age of 104 and was the oldest surviving Western Association of Motion Picture Advertisers (WAMPAS) Baby Star, a promotional campaign recognizing promising young actresses.
A Supporting Cast of Character Actors
The strength of Double or Nothing also lies in its ensemble cast of seasoned character actors. Andy Devine, whose distinctive voice graced over 400 films, delivers a memorable performance, and is perhaps best known for his roles in Westerns alongside Roy Rogers and John Wayne, as well as voicing Friar Tuck in Disney’s Robin Hood. William Frawley, years before becoming a household name as Fred Mertz on I Love Lucy, adds his signature comedic touch. The film also features appearances by comic dance duo Ames and Arno, Alphonse Bergé (aka ‘The Great Drapo’), and cabaret singer/pianist Frances Faye, alongside a cameo from The Calgary Brothers, known for their sleepy drunk routine. These supporting performances enrich the film’s comedic tapestry.
The Blu-ray transfer of Double or Nothing represents a significant improvement over previous DVD releases, with a sharper image despite some minor cosmetic imperfections inherent in the original elements. As with other titles in the Universal Vault Series, this release doesn’t include dedicated special features, but the improved picture quality alone makes it a worthwhile upgrade for fans. Universal’s commitment to preserving and releasing these catalogue titles on Blu-ray is a positive development for film preservation and accessibility.
Double or Nothing is available on Blu-ray as of February 17th from the Universal Vault Series, and can be ordered from Movie Zyng. Movie Zyng offers a curated selection of over 37,000 titles, aiming to recapture the discovery experience of a classic video store, organizing its catalogue by genre, era, and filmmaker.
The Universal Vault Series continues to unearth gems from the studio’s archives, offering a valuable service to film enthusiasts. While Double or Nothing may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it’s a charming and entertaining example of 1930s Hollywood musical comedy, bolstered by the talents of Bing Crosby, Martha Raye, and a supporting cast of seasoned performers. The next release in the Universal Vault Series is scheduled for March 15th, featuring a selection of classic horror titles.
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