Wonder Man

Danny Kaye steps into the spotlight as two vastly different brothers in this 1945 musical comedy produced by Samuel Goldwyn. The story kicks off when Buzzy Bellew, a loud-mouthed nightclub singer, witnesses a murder committed by the ruthless gangster Ten Grand Jackson. After thugs dump his body in Prospect Park, Buzzy returns to the land of the living as a ghost to recruit his meek, bookish twin brother Edwin.

Edwin Dingle works as a quiet clerk for a district attorney and has no idea how to handle the chaos of the nightlife world. Together, the brothers must navigate New York City's dangerous underbelly to bring justice to the killer. The film blends supernatural fantasy with zany energy as Edwin tries to live out Buzzy's life while gathering evidence against the criminals. [edit]

The narrative unfolds in New York City, where the contrast between the two brothers drives the entire plot. Edwin Dingle is a timid man who prefers books to people, working quietly as a clerk. His exact physical twin, Buzzy Bellew, is the opposite: a boisterous singer who commands attention in every club he enters. When Buzzy sees Ten Grand Jackson kill a witness, the gangster orders his own men to silence the singer permanently. They shoot him and toss his body into a pond in Prospect Park, but death does not stop Buzzy from pursuing justice.

Buzzy appears to Edwin as a ghost, unable to touch anything or speak directly to the police without being ignored. He convinces Edwin to take over his identity so they can get close to the gangster. Edwin must learn to sing, dance, and act like the raucous performer his brother was. This transformation creates immediate tension with Ellen Shanley, a woman Buzzy had courted, who finds Edwin's sudden change in personality suspicious yet charming.

As Edwin navigates the nightclub scene, he faces pressure from the District Attorney and his assistant, who notice the drastic shift in behavior. The gangster's henchmen, including "Chimp" and "Torso," grow increasingly wary of the new singer. A cat-and-mouse game ensues where Edwin uses his intellect to gather clues while Buzzy uses his ghostly presence to create distractions. Sylvia Fine composed the songs that highlight the duality of the brothers, adding musical numbers that showcase both Edwin's hidden confidence and Buzzy's wild spirit.

The duo faces several narrow escapes as they try to expose Ten Grand without revealing their secret plan. Edwin must prove his identity to Ellen and the authorities while keeping the gangster guessing about who is really behind the investigation. The story builds through a series of comedic set pieces and musical performances that keep the pace brisk despite the complex dual-role requirements. As the climax approaches, the brothers realize they must work in perfect sync to outwit the criminals before the authorities intervene.[edit]