A Tragedy at Midnight
A Tragedy at Midnight

Movie spotlight

A Tragedy at Midnight

1942
Movie
53 min
English

The host of a whodunit radio show finds himself involved in his own mystery when he awakens to find a woman with a knife in her back in his bedroom.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Frank McDonaldGenres: Mystery, Film-Noir, Thriller

Plot Summary

A wealthy man is found dead under suspicious circumstances, and his younger wife becomes the prime suspect. A determined detective must unravel the web of deceit and hidden motives to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death before the woman is convicted. The investigation delves into the victim's past and the complex relationships surrounding his demise.

Critical Reception

A Tragedy at Midnight is a lesser-known but enjoyable example of early film noir, often praised for its atmospheric tension and effective performances within its limited budget. While not a critical darling of its time, it has gained a cult following for its noir elements and intriguing mystery.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and classic noir elements.

  • Recognized for its competent direction and performances, especially from its lead actors.

  • Appreciated by genre fans for its solid mystery plot within a B-movie framework.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older title, but general sentiment among film enthusiasts points to it being a well-crafted, albeit somewhat dated, mystery that delivers on its noir promise.

Fun Fact

The film is noted for its effective use of shadow and light, typical of the film noir style that was emerging in Hollywood during the early 1940s.

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