THE LIFE ADJUSTMENT OF HARRY BLAKE
By
A prattling, nit-witless tale of an idiotic young man who by chance does in a trio of thieves. Seen through the weary eyes of Mrs. Mapp, his former teacher, the fuzzy episodes in the life of Harry Blake are mildly exasperating. However when Harry takes on some shady partners in a deal to renovate an ancient amusement part, Mrs. Mapp knows trouble is brewing. But it really boils when Harry is coaxed to will the park to his dubious friends -- it has suddenly become valuable because of a projected government space lab. One is murdered, the park burns down, and absent Harry is charged with murder. Harry stands trial, is found guilty, but a pair of photographs -- the result of Harry's attempt to photograph Santa Claus in situ -- establish his innocence. The whole silly business is coy as a clam in marinade.