Night Must Fall
| Movie | |
|---|---|
| Original title | Night Must Fall |
| Country of production | United States |
| original language | English |
| Publishing year | 1937 |
| length | 117 minutes |
| Rod | |
| Director | Richard Thorpe |
| script | John Van Druten |
| production | Hunt Stromberg |
| music | Edward Ward |
| camera | Ray June |
| cut | Robert Kern |
| occupation | |
| |
Night Must Fall is an American crime film directed by Richard Thorpe in 1937. The screenplay is based on the play of the same name by Emlyn Williams . The film premiered on April 30, 1937. The film has not yet been shown in Germany. In 1964 Karel Reisz staged a remake with the same original title (German title: Griff aus den Dunkel ).
action
In a small English town the police are looking for the body of Mrs. Shellbrook, who has been missing for days. Mrs. Bramson, a tyrannical old woman in a wheelchair, hears from her maid, Dora, that her boyfriend Danny worked for Mrs. Shellbrook. Danny worries about the hypochondriac Mrs. Bramson and tells her that he wants to marry Dora if he has a better job. He also feels reminded of his mother by the old woman. Mrs. Bramson's niece, Olivia Grayne, distrusts Danny, but her aunt doesn't listen to her.
Mrs. Bramson's attorney, Justin Laurie, appears, hands over her money, and warns her not to have too much cash in the house. Justin then proposes to Olivia, which she refuses. When the lawyer leaves the house, Mrs. Bramson puts the money in a safe, while Danny is watching her. Danny buys a scarf in town and gives it to Mrs. Bramson. He tells her the scarf belongs to his mother. However, Olivia notices the price tag but says nothing as she is amazed to be attracted to Danny.
Dora discovers Mrs. Shellbrook's decapitated body. Olivia accuses Danny of murder, which he denies. He continues to be mysterious, which makes Olivia more and more fascinated by him. Still, she is convinced of Danny's guilt. Mrs. Bramson doesn't believe her niece, she is blinded by Danny's attention. Inspector Belsize goes to Danny and searches his room. He finds a large locked hat box. He is about to open it when Olivia grabs the box and tells him it is her box. When Belsize leaves the house, Danny and Olivia are relieved.
Olivia calls Justin to find him. She wants to take her aunt with her, but she refuses. Alone with Danny in the house, she feels safe. But Danny cut the phone cord. Mrs. Bramson is startled by noises and calls for Danny. Danny appears immediately and calms the old woman down. He gives her something to drink and lulls her to sleep. When he is sure that she is sleeping, he wants to suffocate her. Mrs. Bramson wakes up, but cannot defend herself against the sturdy man. Danny ransacked the safe when Olivia appears and discovers her aunt's murder. She tells Danny that she was attracted to him but that it is over now. Danny tries to kill her, but Justin, who couldn't reach Olivia by phone, has called the police who can stop Danny from another murder. Danny is arrested and taken away, Olivia and Justin hug.
Reviews
The film was a hit with critics. The New York Daily News particularly highlighted the leading actor Robert Montgomery, who is raised from the depths of trivial films to a high position among the top actors by this MGM production . The Variety found the film was not a box office hit . But Montgomery is the antithesis of his previous work . Dave Kehr of the Chicago Reader called Thorpe directed as unsafe and overwrought , while Montgomery's portrayal of the killer remarkably effective was.
Awards
In 1938 , Robert Montgomery was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor and May Whitty for Best Supporting Actress .
A year earlier, the film won the NBR Award of the National Board of Review Best Picture.
background
- At the premiere of the play on May 31, 1935 in London , Emlyn Williams, who also took over the direction, played the lead role, while May Whitty, Matthew Boulton and Kathleen Harrison were seen in the roles they play in the film. When the play was performed on Broadway in 1936, Williams, Whitty and Boulton were also there.
- The film crew included the outfitters Cedric Gibbons and Edwin B. Willis, as well as the sound engineer Douglas Shearer .
- For May Whitty it was the first major role and her first appearance in a Hollywood production, as well as her debut in a sound film. For her services in looking after the troops in World War I , she was appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire by King George V in 1918 and was allowed to bear the title of Dame from then on.
Web links
- Night Must Fall at the Internet Movie Database (English)
Individual evidence
- ↑ Night Must Fall at Turner Classic Movies (English)
- ↑ onfilm.chicagoreader.com