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Murder on the Campus (1933)

3/5 (1)

“Murder on the Campus” is a 1933 British crime film directed by Richard Thorpe. The story centers around a series of murders that take place on a university campus, where the victims are all connected to a prestigious debating society.

The film follows the investigations of a Scotland Yard detective, Inspector Parr (Stewart Rome), who works closely with a local detective, Inspector Winton (W. Graham Brown), to solve the case. As they uncover clues and interview suspects, they discover a complex web of motives and secrets that lead them closer to the killer.

The suspects include several members of the debating society, as well as a jealous boyfriend, a rival professor, and a mysterious woman with a hidden agenda. The tension builds as the detectives race against time to catch the killer before they strike again.

With twists and turns throughout the plot, “Murder on the Campus” keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The film features a talented cast, including Henry Kendall, Felix Aylmer, and John Mills in early roles.

Directors:
Richard Thorpe

Writer:
Whitman Chambers

Stars:
Shirley Grey, Charles Starrett, J. Farrell MacDonald

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Case of the Frightened Lady (1940)

3/5 (1)

“Case of the Frightened Lady” is a 1940 British crime thriller film directed by George King and based on a play by Edgar Wallace. The film stars Marius Goring as Lord Lebanon, a wealthy nobleman who is desperate to keep his family line going, but whose unmarried daughter, Lady Lebanon (Penelope Dudley-Ward), is terrified of marriage.

When a series of mysterious deaths occur in the family’s ancestral home, Mark’s Priory, a detective named Inspector Tanner (played by Felix Aylmer) is called in to investigate. He soon discovers that there is a sinister plot afoot involving Lady Lebanon’s inheritance and a conspiracy to keep her unmarried.

With the help of the family’s secretary, Isla Crane (played by Helen Haye), Tanner sets out to uncover the truth behind the murders and protect Lady Lebanon from harm. Along the way, he must navigate a web of deceit and treachery, as well as the strange and unsettling behavior of Lady Lebanon herself.

As the investigation unfolds, Tanner uncovers a shocking secret that has been hidden for years and is ultimately able to bring the perpetrators to justice. The film builds to a thrilling conclusion, with plenty of twists and turns along the way.

Directors:
George King

Writer:
Edgar Wallace, Edward Dryhurst, Robert Stevenson

Stars:
Marius Goring, Penelope Dudley-Ward, Helen Haye

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Romance on the Run (1938)

4/5 (1)

“Romance on the Run” is a 1938 American film directed by Gus Meins and starring Joan Fontaine, Douglass Montgomery, and Alan Marshal. The movie is a romantic comedy that follows a young woman who finds herself caught up in a whirlwind adventure with two men.

The film follows Joan, a secretary who is engaged to a wealthy businessman named Don. However, when she meets a charming artist named Tony, she begins to question her feelings and finds herself torn between the two men. Things become even more complicated when she accidentally picks up a valuable diamond necklace, which leads to a series of misadventures and misunderstandings.

As Joan tries to figure out her feelings and navigate her way through the chaos, she finds herself pursued by both Don and Tony, each determined to win her heart. In the end, she must choose between the stability and security of Don or the passion and excitement of Tony.

“Romance on the Run” is a lighthearted and fun romantic comedy that showcases the talents of its cast and the charm of its storyline. With its witty dialogue and clever plot twists, it is a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood romance.

Directors:
Gus Meins

Writer:
Jack Townley, Eric Taylor

Stars:
Donald Woods, Patricia Ellis, Grace Bradley

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Dr. Kildare’s Strange Case (1940)

3/5 (1)

“Dr. Kildare’s Strange Case” is a 1940 American film directed by Harold S. Bucquet and starring Lew Ayres, Lionel Barrymore, and Laraine Day. The movie is part of the “Dr. Kildare” film series, based on the popular radio program and novels by Max Brand.

The film follows young doctor James Kildare as he tries to help a wealthy industrialist who has been paralyzed by a stroke. However, Kildare’s efforts are hindered by the man’s selfish and controlling wife, who is more interested in protecting her husband’s assets than in his well-being.

As Kildare continues his treatments, he begins to suspect that something more sinister is at play, and that the man’s condition may not be the result of a natural stroke. With the help of his mentor, the gruff but wise Dr. Gillespie, Kildare delves deeper into the case and uncovers a shocking conspiracy involving greed, corruption, and murder.

“Dr. Kildare’s Strange Case” is a gripping medical drama that showcases the talent and dedication of young Dr. Kildare and the wisdom and experience of Dr. Gillespie. With its intricate plot and intense emotions, it is a must-see for fans of classic medical dramas and mysteries.

Directors:
Harold S. Bucquet

Writer:
Max Brand, Willis Goldbeck, Harry Ruskin

Stars:
Lew Ayres, Lionel Barrymore, Laraine Day

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Sherlock Holmes, Dressed To Kill (1946)

4/5 (1)

“Sherlock Holmes, Dressed to Kill” is a 1946 American film directed by Roy William Neill and starring Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, and Patricia Morison. The movie is part of the Sherlock Holmes film series, based on the detective stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The film follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they are hired to investigate a series of seemingly unrelated murders. They soon discover that the murders are connected by the presence of three identical music boxes that were sold at an auction house. As Holmes and Watson investigate the owners of the boxes, they uncover a web of greed, deception, and murder.

Their investigation leads them to a criminal mastermind who will stop at nothing to get his hands on the music boxes and the valuable jewels hidden within them. With their lives on the line, Holmes and Watson must use all of their wit and ingenuity to outsmart the dangerous criminal and bring him to justice.

“Sherlock Holmes, Dressed to Kill” is a thrilling and suspenseful mystery film that showcases the brilliant detective work of Holmes and the unwavering loyalty of Watson. With its intricate plot, colorful characters, and clever twists, it is a must-see for fans of the detective genre.

Directors:
Roy William Neill

Writer:
Leonard Lee, Frank Gruber, Arthur Conan Doyle

Stars:
Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Patricia Morison

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Terror by Night (1946)

4/5 (1)

“Terror by Night” is a 1946 American film directed by Roy William Neill and starring Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, and Alan Mowbray. The movie is part of the Sherlock Holmes film series, based on the detective stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The film follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they board a train bound for London, where they are to deliver the famous diamond, the Star of Rhodesia, to its new owner. However, the diamond is stolen and a passenger is murdered, leaving Holmes and Watson to solve the crime and recover the diamond.

As they investigate, they encounter a cast of suspicious characters, including a mysterious woman, a master thief, and a man with a secret agenda. With the help of a clever disguise and some quick thinking, Holmes must uncover the true culprit before they can escape with the valuable diamond.

“Terror by Night” is a thrilling and suspenseful mystery film that showcases the brilliance of Sherlock Holmes and the loyal support of Dr. Watson. With its intricate plot and clever twists, it is a must-see for fans of the detective genre.

Directors:
Roy William Neill

Writer:
Frank Gruber, Arthur Conan Doyle

Stars:
Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Alan Mowbray

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Curtain at Eight (1933)

3/5 (1)

“Curtain at Eight” is a 1933 American pre-Code mystery film directed by E. Mason Hopper and starring C. Aubrey Smith, Dorothy Mackaill, and Paul Cavanagh. The movie is based on the play of the same name by Charles George.

The film follows a group of actors who are preparing to perform a play, “The Fatal Hour,” but things take a deadly turn when the leading lady is murdered backstage. The stage manager, Christopher Brent, takes it upon himself to investigate the murder and clear the name of the leading man, who has become the prime suspect.

As Brent delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies among the cast and crew, including the victim’s jealous husband, a bitter rival actress, and a blackmailing producer. With the help of his assistant, Brent sets a trap to catch the killer before they strike again.

The film features excellent performances and a gripping plot that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. “Curtain at Eight” is a must-see for fans of classic whodunits and is sure to leave audiences satisfied.

Directors:
E. Mason Hopper

Writer:
Edward T. Lowe Jr., Octavus Roy Cohen

Stars:
C. Aubrey Smith, Dorothy Mackaill, Paul Cavanagh

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Jim Hanvey, Detective (1937)

3/5 (1)

“Jim Hanvey, Detective” is a 1937 American film directed by Phil Rosen and starring Guy Usher, Berton Churchill, and Robert Warwick. The movie is based on a series of stories by Octavus Roy Cohen about a private detective named Jim Hanvey.

The film follows Hanvey as he investigates a murder case in which a wealthy businessman is killed in his office. Hanvey’s investigation leads him to a network of corruption and deceit involving the victim’s business partners, his secretary, and even his own son.

As Hanvey gets closer to the truth, he finds himself in grave danger and must use his wits and skill to outsmart the criminals and solve the case.

Overall, “Jim Hanvey, Detective” is a classic detective film filled with suspense, mystery, and intrigue. It showcases the brilliant detective work of Jim Hanvey and keeps audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Directors:
Phil Rosen

Writer:
Octavus Roy Cohen, Olive Cooper, Joseph Krumgold

Stars:
Guy Kibbee, Tom Brown, Lucie Kaye

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Behind Green Lights (1946)

3/5 (1)

“Behind Green Lights” is a film noir from 1946, directed by Otto Brower and starring Carole Landis, William Gargan, and Richard Crane. The movie revolves around the murder of a young socialite named Sheila Lamar, whose body is found in a parked car behind the Green Gate Club.

Captain Johnny Williams (William Gargan), the lead investigator on the case, is determined to find the killer, despite resistance from both his superiors and the wealthy patrons of the club who want the investigation to end quickly and discreetly. As he delves deeper into the case, Williams uncovers a web of corruption and deceit, and he soon realizes that the murder is just the tip of the iceberg.

Meanwhile, Sheila’s sister, Phyllis (Carole Landis), becomes involved in the investigation when she hires private investigator Michael Shayne (Richard Crane) to find her sister’s killer. Shayne and Phyllis work together to unravel the mystery, but their lives are put in danger as they get closer to the truth.

As the investigation continues, Williams, Shayne, and Phyllis discover that the killer is someone close to Sheila, and they race against time to prevent another murder from taking place. The film ends with the killer finally being exposed and brought to justice.

“Behind Green Lights” is a classic film noir with all the hallmarks of the genre, including a dark and moody atmosphere, a complex plot, and flawed but compelling characters. The movie is notable for its strong performances by the lead actors, as well as its suspenseful and engaging storyline.

Directors:
Otto Brower

Writer:
Scott Darling, Charles G. Booth

Stars:
Carole Landis, William Gargan, Richard Crane

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Quicksand (1950)

4/5 (1)

“Quicksand” is a 1950 American film noir directed by Irving Pichel. The movie stars Mickey Rooney as a young man named Dan Brady who works at a gas station in a small California town. Dan is bored with his life and dreams of making it big.

One day, while browsing a local store, Dan meets a beautiful woman named Vera Novak, played by Jeanne Cagney. Vera is a femme fatale who seduces Dan and lures him into a web of deceit and crime.

Vera convinces Dan to lend her money and take her out on the town. She leads him to a gambling den, where Dan loses all his money and ends up owing a dangerous criminal named Nick Garcos, played by Peter Lorre.

Desperate to pay off his debt, Dan steals from his workplace and gets caught. He ends up in jail, and his life spirals out of control as he becomes more deeply involved with Vera and Nick’s criminal activities.

Throughout the film, Dan’s attempts to escape his predicament are constantly thwarted, and he finds himself sinking deeper into the quicksand of his own making. The movie ends with a tense, dramatic confrontation between Dan and Nick, with Vera caught in the middle.

Overall, “Quicksand” is a classic example of film noir, featuring themes of greed, lust, and betrayal. The film is notable for its strong performances, particularly by Rooney and Lorre, as well as its moody, atmospheric cinematography.

Directors:
Irving Pichel

Writer:
Robert Smith

Stars:
Mickey Rooney, Jeanne Cagney, Barbara Bates

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Kansas City Confidential (1952)

4/5 (1)

“Kansas City Confidential” is a 1952 film noir directed by Phil Karlson. The film follows an ex-convict named Joe Rolfe (John Payne), who is falsely accused of robbing an armored truck that carried a significant amount of money. Rolfe embarks on a mission to clear his name and find the real culprits behind the heist.

The robbery was orchestrated by a mastermind criminal named “Mr. Big,” who hired three men to carry out the job. The robbers wore masks to conceal their identities, and the stolen money was laundered through a Mexican casino.

As Rolfe begins to investigate, he encounters the three robbers, who are all unaware of each other’s identities, as Mr. Big insisted that they remain anonymous. They are Pete Harris (Jack Elam), Boyd Kane (Neville Brand), and Tony Romano (Lee Van Cleef).

Rolfe also meets the daughter of the armored truck company’s owner, Helen Foster (Coleen Gray), who is trying to find her father’s stolen money. Together, they track down the robbers and eventually discover Mr. Big’s true identity.

The film’s twist ending reveals the surprising truth behind the robbery, and Rolfe and Helen are finally able to bring the criminals to justice.

Overall, “Kansas City Confidential” is a thrilling and suspenseful film that is considered a classic in the film noir genre.

Directors:
Phil Karlson

Writer:
George Bruce, Harry Essex, Harold Greene

Stars:
John Payne, Coleen Gray, Preston Foster

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The Girl from Monterrey (1943)

3/5 (1)

The Girl from Monterrey is a musical comedy film released in 1943, directed by Wallace Fox. The movie follows the story of Gloria (played by Armida), a talented singer from the small town of Monterrey who dreams of becoming a star in the big city of Mexico City.

Gloria’s chance comes when she meets a famous singer named Jorge del Campo (played by Luis Alcoriza), who offers her a job singing in his nightclub. With the help of Jorge and his manager, Gloria becomes an overnight sensation and quickly rises to fame.

However, Gloria’s success attracts the attention of the jealous and conniving Rosita (played by Maria Luisa Zea), who is also a singer and wants to steal Gloria’s spotlight. Rosita hatches a plan to ruin Gloria’s reputation and career, but Gloria’s loyal friends and allies come to her aid to help her overcome the obstacles in her way.

As Gloria’s fame continues to grow, she must navigate the ups and downs of the entertainment industry and confront the challenges that come with her newfound success. Ultimately, Gloria learns valuable lessons about the true nature of friendship and the importance of staying true to oneself.

The Girl from Monterrey is a fun and lively musical comedy that showcases the talents of Armida as a singer and actress, as well as the vibrant culture and music of Mexico.

Directors:
Wallace Fox

Writer:
Robert Gordon, George Green, Arthur Hoerl

Stars:
Armida, Edgar Kennedy, Veda Ann Borg

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Jail Bait (1954)

3/5 (1)

Jail Bait is a film noir crime drama released in 1954 directed by Edward D. Wood Jr. The movie follows the story of a young man named Don Gregor (played by Steve Reeves), who is forced to go on the run with his girlfriend, Myrna (played by Dolores Fuller), after accidentally killing her father in a struggle.

As they try to escape the law, Don and Myrna come across a shady plastic surgeon named Dr. Otto Frank (played by Herbert Rawlinson), who offers to help Don change his appearance in exchange for money. Don takes the deal, but soon finds out that Dr. Frank is a wanted criminal who plans to use him as a pawn in a bank robbery.

Meanwhile, Don’s younger sister, who works for the police department, is desperately trying to clear his name and bring him back home. As the tension and danger escalate, Don must decide whether to go through with the robbery or risk everything to do the right thing and turn himself in to the authorities.

Jail Bait is notable for being one of the early works of Edward D. Wood Jr., who is now considered a cult figure in cinema history for his unconventional directing style and the infamous cult classic film Plan 9 from Outer Space.

Directors:
Edward D. Wood Jr.

Writer:
Alex Gordon, Edward D. Wood Jr.

Stars:
Lyle Talbot, Dolores Fuller, Herbert Rawlinson

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Bulldog Drummond’s Secret Police (1939)

3/5 (1)

“Bulldog Drummond’s Secret Police” is a 1939 crime thriller film that follows the adventures of Captain Hugh “Bulldog” Drummond (played by John Howard) and his fiancée, Phyllis Clavering (played by Heather Angel), as they work to uncover a secret criminal organization.

The film begins with Drummond and his friend, Algy Longworth (played by Reginald Denny), attending a dinner party at the home of a wealthy businessman. When the host is murdered in his own home, Drummond and Longworth are called upon to investigate the crime. As they begin to dig deeper, they discover that the murder is just the tip of the iceberg, and that a much larger criminal conspiracy is at work.

With the help of Phyllis and a team of secret police agents, Drummond and Longworth set out to infiltrate the criminal organization and put an end to their nefarious plans. Along the way, they face numerous obstacles and dangers, including car chases, gunfights, and a kidnapping.

As the investigation progresses, Drummond and his team begin to unravel the complex web of deceit and corruption at the heart of the criminal organization. Ultimately, they are able to bring the criminals to justice and restore order to the community.

Overall, “Bulldog Drummond’s Secret Police” is a fast-paced and entertaining thriller that combines elements of mystery, action, and suspense. It is a classic example of the crime thriller genre and a must-see for fans of classic cinema.

Directors:
James P. Hogan

Writer:
Garnett Weston, Herman C. McNeile

Stars:
John Howard, Heather Angel, H.B. Warner

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Five Minutes to Live (1961)

3/5 (1)

“Five Minutes to Live” is a crime drama film from 1961 that follows a ruthless bank robber named Johnny Cabot (played by Johnny Cash) who, along with his accomplice, Fred Dorella (played by Vic Tayback), kidnaps the wife of a bank manager to force him to rob his own bank.

As the story unfolds, the bank manager, Ken Wilson (played by Donald Woods), struggles to come up with a plan to save his wife and thwart Cabot’s plan. Meanwhile, Cabot’s hold over Dorella begins to weaken as Dorella grows more and more uneasy about the situation and Cabot’s violent tendencies.

As the clock ticks down, tensions rise, and the characters are forced to confront the consequences of their actions. The film builds to a tense and violent climax as the characters’ paths intersect in a dramatic showdown. Ultimately, the fate of the characters is left uncertain, leaving the audience to draw their conclusions about what happens next.

Directors:
Bill Karn

Writer:
Cay Forester, Palmer Thompson, Robert L. Joseph

Stars:
Johnny Cash, Donald Woods, Cay Forester

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