Movie spotlight
You'd Be Surprised
A diamond is stolen at a houseboat party given by the district attorney. He gives the thief a chance to return it by putting an empty box on a table and turning out the lights. When the lights are turned back on the box is gone, and the district attorney has a knife in his back and is quite dead. The police and the coroner arrive. There are several attempts made on the life of the coroner. Ruth Whitman is found hiding in a grandfather-clock, holding the gem box. She claims the box was pushed into her hands and she was pushed into the clock. The district attorney's butler/valet tells the coroner he saw who killed his employer and a few minutes later he is also murdered. The mystery deepens.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young private detective, new to the job, is assigned to investigate a murder at a remote country estate. As he delves into the mystery, he finds himself entangled with a cast of eccentric characters, each with their own secrets and potential motives. The detective must navigate a series of comical mishaps and unexpected twists to uncover the truth behind the crime.
Critical Reception
As a silent comedy from the mid-1920s, "You'd Be Surprised" is generally regarded as a charming, if somewhat unremarkable, example of the genre. Critics at the time likely appreciated its comedic performances and lighthearted mystery elements, typical of the era's entertainment.
What Reviewers Say
A lighthearted silent comedy with a playful mystery.
Features a charming performance from its lead.
Relies on slapstick and situational humor typical of the 1920s.
Google audience: Due to its age and status as a silent film, specific Google user reviews are not readily available. However, films of this era were generally appreciated for their escapism and comedic talent.
Fun Fact
This film marked one of A. Edward Sutherland's earliest directorial efforts before he went on to direct more famous works like "Flesh and the Devil" (1926) and "My Man Godfrey" (1936).
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