Mr. Lucky (1943) [Warner Archive Blu-ray review]

Made when the world was in the thick of World War II, Mr. Lucky begins with typical 1940s verve: Joe “The Greek” Adams (Cary Grant) is a charming gambler with questionable scruples and an eye for the main chance. Facing the prospect of conscription, Joe comes up with a scheme to avoid the draft and continue his con artistry. Meanwhile, there’s a local war relief charity run by the refined Dorothy Bryant (Laraine Day)—the perfect mark for Joe’s next big hustle.

Who is Joe Adams?

Joe Adams is the titular Mr. Lucky aka Cary Grant aka Joe the Greek.

Joe, posing as a wealthy philanthropist, insinuates himself into Dorothy’s circle, offering to help fundraise at a high-society war relief event—a casino-themed charity night. Of course, Joe’s real aim is to rig the proceedings, siphon off the money, and vanish. The comedic twist? He didn’t plan on falling for Dorothy or discovering that beneath his shady veneer, there might be a glimmer of conscience. As Joe’s feelings for Dorothy deepen, he’s torn between his old ways and the new, uneasy sense of duty that creeps over him.

That dual tension—romantic longing set against a background of patriotic responsibility—characterizes Mr. Lucky’s story. It’s not an overt propaganda piece, but the war setting and the relief effort provide moral stakes beyond the usual comedic shenanigans. Will Joe follow through on the con, or rise to something better in Dorothy’s eyes? The film’s playful push-and-pull between cynicism and sentimentality is classic 1940s Hollywood fare.

Cary Grant walks away with Mr. Lucky

One of the film’s joys is how we see Grant’s effortless comedic timing mesh with genuine hints of moral conflict. Scenes in which Joe tries to keep up the ruse—complimenting fancy War Relief ladies on their dreadful small talk, or feigning polite interest in charitable do-gooding—are comedic gold. But as Dorothy’s sincerity disarms him, Grant deftly shows Joe’s guard dropping. The transformation never feels forced; it’s the skillful slow shift from opportunistic rogue to a man who, for maybe the first time, wonders if there’s more to life than hustle.

In short, it’s another prime example of why Cary Grant remains a paragon of Golden Age leading men: his comedic lightness never undermines the emotional gravitas. That delicate balance anchors Mr. Lucky in a romantic whimsy without losing dramatic weight.

A little more about the film

Though the film remains a breezy comedic romance on the surface, it quietly comments on class divisions. Dorothy’s circle is well-heeled, philanthropic, and naive to the roguish realities. Joe is from a different world entirely—scrappy, unscrupulous, practical. Scenes in which Joe tries to maintain a veneer of polite sophistication while pocketing chips from a charity casino speak to that tension between social “haves” and “have-nots.” Eventually, Joe’s con confronts the sense that in war-time America, we should all unite for a common cause. The film’s gentle jab at hypocrisy among the wealthy—who might be more showy than truly charitable—adds a satirical edge that feels surprisingly modern.

Shot in black-and-white by cinematographer George Barnes, Mr. Lucky can, at times, evoke a subtle noir vibe. The night-time sequences—like a dimly lit wharf or after-hours gambling joint—are framed with moody shadows and playful slivers of light across the leads’ faces, hinting at moral darkness. It’s not a full-blown noir, but that slight stylized lighting complements the film’s romantic tension and the sense that Joe’s living dangerously on the edge. The new Warner Archive transfer accentuates these illusions, letting the inky black backgrounds offset the luminous faces of Grant and Day. Scenes set on swirling dance floors or philanthropic galas shine with classic Hollywood sheen, capturing the era’s interplay of glamour and crisp detail.

Let’s talk a little about the Warner Archive Blu-ray…just a little

Mr. Lucky has a 1080p transfer that does the best with what is present. While I’ve seen better Black and White cinematography, the black levels don’t get crushed a ton. Plus, it looks a lot better than the old DVD I used to watch.

Mr. Lucky was recorded in mono, of course, and the disc preserves that mix in a DTS-HD Master Audio track. Dialog is crisp, letting every sly line slip elegantly off Grant’s tongue. The film’s musical flourishes—romantic interludes or a dash of comedic stings—sound fuller than in tinny old TV prints. Ambient effects, from casino chatter to background street bustle, come through naturally. For a mid-40s feature, it’s about as good as one can expect in a single-channel era, though some mild hiss might remain as part of the analog charm.

The special features sports some a classic cartoon and a classic Warner Brothers short. Plus, you get a trailer. I beg Warner Archive or WB or David Zaslav and his money bin to bring back the Warner Night at the Movies feature. You have the technology, you just have to have the will to make things right.

Final thoughts on Mr. Lucky

In short, if you’re a fan of classic silver-screen romance or Cary Grant’s brand of debonair mischief, Mr. Lucky is essential viewing. The film’s comedic banter, overshadowed for years by more famous Grant vehicles, nonetheless sparkles with as much wit and crisp comedic timing as any higher-profile title. Now that the Warner Archive Blu-ray bestows a gleaming restoration, there’s no excuse to overlook it. From the luscious black-and-white cinematography to the sprightly comedic pace, you’ll find that Mr. Lucky can, ironically, make you feel quite fortunate for discovering it.

Pop it in, dim the lights, and let Cary Grant guide you through a mix of laughter, war bonds, and the roller-coaster of a love that transforms even the most unscrupulous gambler. Because as the old Hollywood magic proves time and again: with a dapper suit, a charming grin, and a timely revelation of the heart, any cynical con man might just become a hero in the end. That’s the bittersweet wonder of Mr. Lucky, and it’s a ride that feels no less warm or winning nearly eighty years after it first graced the silver screen.

Mr. Lucky is now available on Warner Archive Blu-ray at MovieZyng

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