Step into a world where the afterlife is for animals, and reincarnation takes a delightfully comedic turn. You Never Can Tell (1951), now brilliantly colorized for a fresh viewing experience, is a charming fantasy comedy directed by Lou Breslow. Starring Dick Powell and Peggy Dow, this film blends mystery, romance, and whimsy in a way that only classic Hollywood could. Perfect for fans of vintage cinema and those who love a good, lighthearted whodunnit, this HD download brings a hidden gem of the 1950s to your screen.
When eccentric millionaire Andrew Lindsay dies, he shocks everyone by leaving his fortune to his loyal German Shepherd, King. King’s caretaker, Ellen Hathaway (Peggy Dow), becomes the trustee and next in line to inherit—unless King dies first. Enter Perry Collins (Charles Drake), a charming but suspicious man who claims to know King from their days in the Army K-9 Corps. Perry quickly wins Ellen’s heart, but King remains wary.
When King is found poisoned, Ellen becomes the prime suspect. King’s spirit, unwilling to let his beloved caretaker take the blame, pleads with Lion, the leader of the animal afterlife (known as “Bestiatory”), to return to Earth to solve his own murder. Lion grants his wish, sending King back as Rex Shepard (Dick Powell), a private investigator with canine instincts. Joining him is Golden Harvest, a racehorse reincarnated as Goldie Harvey (Joyce Holden). Together, they must solve the mystery before the next full moon—or risk being stuck on Earth as humans forever.
What follows is a hilarious and heartwarming adventure, filled with slapstick, clever wordplay, and a dash of romance. Rex, still adjusting to human life, can’t shake his doggy habits, leading to some of the film’s funniest moments. Goldie, ever the loyal sidekick, provides plenty of laughs as she races to keep up with the investigation253.
You Never Can Tell features a talented ensemble cast:
Dick Powell as Rex Shepard (the reincarnated King)
Peggy Dow as Ellen Hathaway
Joyce Holden as Golden Harvest / Goldie Harvey
Charles Drake as Perry Collins
Albert Sharpe as Grandpa Hathaway
Lou Polan as Police Sergeant Novak
Frank Nelson as Police Lieutenant Gilpin
You Never Can Tell is a fantasy comedy with elements of mystery and romance. Its unique premise—animals returning as humans to solve their own murders—sets it apart from typical whodunnits and makes it a standout in the genre253.
Released in 1951 by Universal Pictures, You Never Can Tell arrived during a golden age of Hollywood comedy. The film’s lighthearted tone and imaginative plot reflect the era’s appetite for escapism and whimsy. While not as well-known as some of its contemporaries, You Never Can Tell has earned a cult following for its originality and charm.
The film also features a delightful score by Hans J. Salter and crisp cinematography by Maury Gertsman, both of whom were veterans of Universal’s classic era25.
This colorized version of You Never Can Tell has been meticulously restored using advanced digital techniques. The process involved carefully analyzing the original black and white footage and assigning vibrant, period-appropriate colors to each scene. The result is a visually stunning film that brings the 1950s to life in a whole new way.
The colorization highlights the film’s playful tone, from the colorful costumes to the lively sets. It allows modern audiences to fully appreciate the film’s visual charm and comedic energy.
Director: Lou Breslow
Screenplay: Lou Breslow, David Chandler
Story by: Lou Breslow
Producer: Leonard Goldstein
Starring: Dick Powell, Peggy Dow, Joyce Holden, Charles Drake, Albert Sharpe
Cinematography: Maury Gertsman
Edited by: Frank Gross
Music by: Hans J. Salter
Production Company: Universal Pictures
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Download Format: MP4
Resolution: HD (1080p)
Compatibility: Compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
You Never Can Tell has been praised for its ability to sustain its whimsical premise throughout its runtime. Critic Hal Erickson noted that the film is a “captivating piece of whimsy” and that its single joke is successfully sustained for the entire 78 minutes2. While it may not have achieved blockbuster status, the film has earned a loyal following among fans of classic Hollywood comedies and fantasy films.
Its legacy lives on as a charming example of the era’s creativity and sense of fun. For fans of vintage cinema, You Never Can Tell is a delightful discovery that deserves to be seen by a new generation.
Q: Is You Never Can Tell based on a true story?
Q: Who are the main stars of You Never Can Tell?
Q: Is this version of You Never Can Tell colorized?
A: Yes, this version has been professionally colorized to enhance the viewing experience.
Q: What makes You Never Can Tell special for fans of classic cinema?
Q: What is the download format?
A: The download format is MP4, which is compatible with most devices.
Q: What resolution is the download?
A: The resolution is HD (1080p), providing a high-quality viewing experience.
Experience the Whimsy and Charm of You Never Can Tell Today!