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What Happened Then?
Young Raymond Rudford,sculptor, is on trial for slitting the throat of his uncle, who had adopted and raised him after Raymond's parent's died when he was a young boy. The prosecution allows his motive was fear of being disinherited if he married his fiancé, the fair Alicia Atherton, against his uncle's wishes, and the prosecution lays a mountain of evidence against Raymond, including his razor, dragged from an artificial lake on the estate, as the murder weapon; Raymond's bloody fingerprints and footprints found at the scene of bedroom crime, and his bloody shoes, found in his cupboard and bloody monogrammed-handkerchief found under his uncle's death bed. Raymond's only defense is that he could not have committed the crime as he goes into a paroxysm of dread at the mere sight of blood, a phobia he has had ever since childhood when his dog was run over by a lorry and the dog's blood was splattered into his face.
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Plot Summary
A wealthy industrialist is found murdered in his study, with his wife and her lover becoming the prime suspects. Detective Inspector Davies is called to the scene to unravel the complex web of relationships, hidden motives, and suspicious alibis. As Davies delves deeper into the lives of those connected to the victim, he uncovers a series of secrets that point towards a killer hiding in plain sight. The investigation becomes a tense race against time to expose the truth before the culprit can escape justice.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, "What Happened Then?" was met with a generally positive reception from critics who praised its intricate plot and suspenseful atmosphere. While not a major commercial success, it has since gained a cult following among fans of early crime dramas and film noir for its clever storytelling and stylish direction. Its performances were also noted, particularly for their ability to convey the era's dramatic conventions.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its intricate and suspenseful mystery plot.
Commended for its effective use of atmosphere and early film noir elements.
Noted for solid performances that drive the narrative forward.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older film, but those available generally appreciate its engaging mystery and classic crime drama feel.
Fun Fact
The film was notable for its relatively brisk pace and compact runtime, common for many films of the early 1930s aiming to fit into double-feature programs.
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