Movie spotlight
Wealthy widow Mrs. Bramson notices that her maid is distracted, and when she learns the girl's fiancé, Danny, is the reason, she summons him in. Mrs. Bramson's niece Olivia takes a liking to Danny, and comes to believe that he may have been involved in the disappearance of a local woman.
A handsome young man, Danny, charms his way into the life of an elderly woman and her nurse, planning to exploit them for financial gain. As his manipulative nature becomes increasingly apparent, he becomes entangled in a web of deceit and ultimately resorts to murder to cover his tracks. The film builds suspense as the authorities close in on the charming but sinister killer.
Night Must Fall was praised for its chilling portrayal of a psychopathic killer and Robert Montgomery's compelling performance in the lead role. The film's suspenseful atmosphere and exploration of dark psychological themes were highlighted by critics, establishing it as a notable early thriller.
Robert Montgomery delivers a standout performance as a charming yet menacing antagonist.
The film effectively builds suspense and explores dark psychological territory for its era.
A taut and compelling early psychological thriller.
Google audience: While specific Google user reviews from the time are not readily available, contemporary critical reception suggests audiences were captivated by the film's suspense and Montgomery's performance.
Robert Montgomery was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Danny.
Robert Montgomery's performance was so convincing that it reportedly disturbed audiences, making him a star in a more complex, morally ambiguous type of role.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources
You'll be the death of me. You really will. Night Must Fall is directed by Richard Thorpe and adapted to screenplay John Van Druten from the Emlyn Williams play. It stars May Whitty, Robert Montgomery, Rosalind Russell, Merle Tottenham,...