I Met a Murderer

I love James Mason and really enjoy seeing his early films when possible, thanks to channels like Talking Pictures and TCM etc. This one is no exception, however, it is spoiled somewhat for me by the loud and rather irritating music all the way through and so only seven stars from me.

If you are a true James Mason fan (as I am) here's a lovely film. I Met a Murderer (England) was literally an original home movie production released in 1937 when Mason was yet under 30 years old (27-28).

This curious and personal little movie was conceived and created by Pamela and Roy Kellino along with James Mason. It was not released in Great Britain immediately, having been rejected by Pamela's family who controlled a large segment of the film distribution business in England. (This caused a painful schism between Pamela and James and the Osterer family.) Only costing 5000 pounds to make, the cinemagraphic production values are honest yet nearly amateur quality. Most of the actors in the film were their friends and performed for nothing or small favors. The story, written by Pamela, is simple and straightforward with lots of naive, old fashioned character interactions and impulsive, hot-tempered, reflexive responses to the problems of the day (like murdering your nagging wife because she shoots the dog-what a concept!). James Mason is exquisitely handsome, and there are lots of dreamy close-ups designed to propel this young superstar into the desiring hearts of swooning bobby-soxers and young moviegoers. His smooth, commanding voice (James Masons' life long signature) is as potent at 28 years of age as it was throughout his life. James Mason and Pamela Kellino were, at this time, very personal and intimately close friends. Three years later Pamela would become Mrs. Mason and the rest is history.

I can't say this is a great movie, but it is an early short feature that shows the fiery intensity of a young James. His willful intensity portrayed here would characterize his appeal for much of his acting career. Indeed, he was the consummate screen actor, perfecting his trade tirelessly until the day of his death. The only complaint I have regarding this little gem is that the sound score is the silent film "follow-the-action-style" musical accompaniment with lots of rousing piano and jump-out-of-your-chair giddyup that can be annoying to modern listeners. Get a copy of this film if you can and enjoy the roots of one of the world's finest actors.

A huge thank you to the kind soul who posted this film on Youtube, which allowed me to see it. The other review on here tells all you need to know really, and thank you for that too.

Fans of James Mason will want to see this because his youthful performances were as solid as all of his work, and for the ladies, he's just pleasant to watch. Watching him work on the farm in the beginning of the film, the viewer wonders why his character ever married that miserable wife. When his real future-wife appears, viewers can wonder about that attraction too. I believe that in fan fiction, Pamela would be known as "Mary Sue." She crops up again in a LOT more of his work (groan).

James Mason does a lot of running in this film, literally, but does not get to really showcase his strong points. He might not have thought too highly of the Gainsborough Melodramas, but those are what made him # 1 with British female audiences. For a non-period piece of his early work, I would recommend "The Night Has Eyes." He's dark, brooding, rather scary, and possibly a fiend in it: that is an enjoyable performance piece for him, and the leading lady is likable. "I Met a Murderer" might have been intended as promotion for James Mason, but seems more like an ego piece for Pamela.

This is the first of three Mason films that I've watched where people's pets get killed. Boo-hiss to that! I could NOT recommend this film to the casual viewer or fan of British 30s films. As a James Mason performance, it's a 6 or 7. He simply didn't have much to work with. As a story, it's a 2.

My father was the stunt double for the scene were James Mason has to fall of a horse, my Father is 94 and and was an expert horseman. I have never seen him ride as he gave it up sadly when I was little, so it is a revelation to see him in action. Also the farmhouse featured heavily is my Grandfather's farm at Booker near Marlow which was demolished before the war. Again it's lovely to have it immortalised on film. My father is a very humble man and never one to boast or brag so I have requested a stunt credit for him as a tribute to his skills a young man. I am a filmmaker myself and I love our deep-seated history in the film business, we should be proud of our heritage and this is a classic example of a murder/thriller in the same vein as he first 2 version of the 39 steps. A jolly good film Tally Ho!

The music is is far too loud and there is a general clumsiness about the production. The prolonged twists and turns of the plot eventually become rather exhausting. But it is nevertheless a fascinating experience to see the young James Mason in action and to note that the role he plays foreshadows not only his performance in 'Odd Man Out' (1947) but also his final moments in 'A Star Is Born' (1954).