Whistling in the Dark
Whistling in the Dark

Movie spotlight

Whistling in the Dark

1933
Movie
79 min
English

A mystery writer and his sweetheart are held hostage by a fugitive gangster, who hopes to enlist their help in devising the perfect murder.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: George W. HillGenres: Comedy, Mystery, Crime

Plot Summary

A timid dentist, known for his radio detective show, finds himself entangled in a real-life murder case. When a notorious gangster kidnaps him, the dentist must use his wits and his alter ego, 'The Shadow,' to survive and solve the crime. The situation escalates as the gangster's moll and other criminals become involved, turning the dentist's life into a dangerous adventure.

Critical Reception

Whistling in the Dark was generally well-received by critics for its witty dialogue and suspenseful plot, balancing comedy and mystery effectively. Audiences enjoyed the premise of a mild-mannered man thrust into a dangerous situation, with Conrad Nagel's performance as the radio detective receiving particular praise.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its clever blend of humor and suspense.

  • Conrad Nagel's dual performance as the dentist and radio detective was a highlight.

  • A fun, albeit sometimes predictable, mystery-comedy.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this 1933 film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

This film was based on the popular radio play of the same name, which featured the character 'The Shadow' before his iconic comic book and movie appearances.

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