Movie spotlight
Murder at Midnight
Wealthy Mr. Kennedy shoots his secretary, Channing, during a parlor game, but it turns out the gun was loaded with real bullets. Luckily, criminologist Phillip Montrose is on hand to help the police. When Kennedy quickly ends up dead as well, the police think it's a tidy murder-suicide, but the family lawyer knows of a letter that voiced Kennedy's suspicions about someone who was out to get him. Soon, the cops are on the trail of a ruthless and clever killer who is one step ahead of even Montrose.
Insights
Plot Summary
A wealthy businessman is murdered under mysterious circumstances, and the police suspect everyone in the household. As the investigation unfolds, hidden motives and secret relationships come to light, leading to a tangled web of deceit. Detective "Sully" Sullivan must piece together the clues to unmask the killer before they strike again.
Critical Reception
Released during a period when early sound films were still finding their footing, 'Murder at Midnight' was a standard genre offering of its time. Critical reception was generally positive for its suspenseful atmosphere and competent performances, fitting into the popular 'whodunit' trend of the era. Audience reactions likely aligned with critical sentiment, appreciating the film's mystery elements.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its suspenseful plot and classic whodunit structure.
Noted for competent performances that kept the mystery engaging.
Considered a solid example of early sound-era mystery thrillers.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews from 1931 is not readily available.
Fun Fact
This film is notable for being an early example of a sound-era mystery film, utilizing dialogue and sound effects to enhance the suspense, a departure from the silent films that preceded it.
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