Sunday, June 19, 2022

Night Must Fall (1937)

Pros: A solid plotline filled with great performances, this film was originally a stage play but transferred to the big screen well. While this film may be dated, it was at least interesting, with Robert Montgomery's charming Danny, Rosalind Russell's cynical Olivia, who doesn't buy into Danny's endless charm while her rich Aunt (Dame May Whitty) does. But you should always beware of the charming ones. And the plot of a murder mystery never gets old. 

Cons: Accents are all over the place. The film is set in England and while some of the maids and Danny have solid accents, Russell still sounds all American while the British Whitty just sounds super regal. And yes, the set is limited, taking place mostly in Whitty's huge house, though a select few scenes occur elsewhere. 

Recommend: Yes

Grade: A-

Side Notes:

-We all know what was in that wicker basket, the victim's head. 

-I hate when men say women are more attractive without glasses. While it may be true, being able to see your surroundings is also sexy.

-I like that Russell ended up with her aunt's kind-hearted lawyer rather than the male lead.

-Both Montgomery and Whitty were Oscar-nominated for this film and certainly deserved those nominations with complex and layered roles. 

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