rating:
(out of
4 stars)United Kingdom; 1930
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock; produced by John Maxwell; novel adaptation by Alfred Hitchcock, Walter C. Mycroft
Starring Herbert Marshall, Norah Baring, Phyllis Konstam, Edward Chapman, Miles Mander, Esme Percy
So Alfred Hitchcock did not only make great classics like 'The 39 Steps', 'Rear Window', 'Vertigo' and 'Psycho'. But admittedly, his lesser work suffers from comparisons like these. On its own terms films such as 'Murder' are fine the way they are. This early talkie is an entertaining - though easy to solve - mystery thriller, with some real suspense saved for the final act. During and before we arrive there, we are presented with some of the touches from the Master of Suspense, which works well enough for me.
With Herbert Marshall ('Trouble in Paradise') in the leading role, the film is always pleasant to look at. He is one of those classic performers, like William Powell, who has that effect on audiences. Here he plays Sir John Menier, a juror in a murder case involving actress Diana Baring (Norah Baring), apparently suffering from amnesia, whom he and the other juror find guilty. During the case he has doubts and after the case second thoughts. Together with another man from the theatre, Mr. Markham (Edward Chapman), also a neighbor of Diana, they re-investige the case.
During this investigation clues are given. So many, actually, that a modern audience will have solved the mystery somewhere halfway the film. The hero does not, which is not a big deal, since his path to the climax has its amusing moments. The climax itself, set in a circus, has the kind of suspense you want from the master and ends quite shocking. It elevates the film from avarage to a little above it. For a 1930s film it will be liked, as light entertainment, by a larger audience than some of the more known classics. Hitchcock can be held responsible.