Ten authors spoil the broth in Paramount pre-Code The Woman Accused (1933) starring Nancy Carroll and Cary Grant. Featuring one shocking scene with Grant, Jack La Rue, and a rawhide whip.
Terror Aboard (1933) – Grand Hotel of Murder on the High Seas
One passenger drops after another in Terror Aboard (1933), Paramount’s pre-Code preview of the far-off slasher genre. An all-star cast of B-players is led by John Halliday in this tale of multiple murders at sea.
Lightning Review: Full Confession (1939) Starring Victor McLaglen
Brief look at RKO “B” movie Full Confession (1939) starring Victor McLaglen, Joseph Calleia, Sally Eilers, and Barry Fitzgerald, directed by John Farrow.
Real-Life Society ‘Honor Slaying’ Inspires Two 1932 Films
A look at two pre-Code courtroom melodramas, Unashamed and Two Against the World, compared to the sensational real-life society murder that inspired the movies. Unashamed stars Helen Twelvetrees, Robert Young, and Monroe Owsley, while Two Against the World stars Constance Bennett and Neil Hamilton.
Secret of the Blue Room (1933) With Lionel Atwill and Gloria Stuart
Secret of the Blue Room (1933) may not be Universal horror, but it’s a strong murder mystery that acquired the tinge as part of the late ’50s Shock Theater package on television. Here’s a bit about what it was and what it wasn’t.
The Witching Hour (1934), Hypnotized by John Halliday
Paramount’s 1934 version of The Witching Hour is light on stars and, despite the title, isn’t even a horror movie. An early Henry Hathaway film based on the 1907 hit play by Augustus Thomas and featuring strong performances from John Halliday and Sir Guy Standing. It’s all covered here.
Death on the Diamond (1934) – Baseball, Murder and Robert Young
MGM’s baseball murder mystery Death on the Diamond (1934) stars Robert Young and Madge Evans. A decent mystery and a strong baseball movie at the same time. Directed by Edward Sedgwick and also featuring David Landau, Paul Kelly, Nat Pendleton and Ted Healy.
Gallant Sons (1940) Starring Jackie Cooper, Bonita Granville and Gene Reynolds
MGM gives Hardy director George B. Seitz a different group of kids for GALLANT SONS, a 1940 murder mystery starring Jackie Cooper, Bonita Granville and Gene Reynolds.
Lust for Gold (1949) Starring Ida Lupino and Glenn Ford
Glenn Ford and Ida Lupino star in Columbia’s answer to The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, 1949’s Lust for Gold. Also featuring Gig Young and a host of character actors.
Red Light (1949) Starring George Raft and Virginia Mayo
A brief look at Red Light (1949), a Roy Del Ruth Production starring George Raft, Virginia Mayo, and a very nasty Raymond Burr.