The Great Detective is a 1931 American Pre-Code comedy film directed by Phil Rosen and starring Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey, known as Wheeler & Woolsey. The film is a comedic mystery, parodying the detective genre popular at the time.
The plot revolves around a bumbling detective duo who inadvertently get involved in a complex case, often creating more problems than they solve. The humor derives from their slapstick antics, wordplay, and general ineptitude as they attempt to unravel the mystery.
While not considered a major cinematic achievement, The Great Detective is representative of the comedic output of Wheeler & Woolsey, showcasing their vaudeville-style humor and their ability to extract laughs from improbable situations. The film is generally available on home video and through streaming services specializing in classic cinema.
