London by Night

This decent but unremarkable programmer has George Murphy sliding occasionally into his Irish brogue, as a reporter in foggy London who wants to go on vacation, but he needs to solve the mystery of 'the Umbrella Man' and court Rita Johnson -- doing a Billie Burke imitation -- assisted and hampered by his dog and Scotland Yard.

As you can tell from that description, it has occasional screwball overtones, but it's largely carried by Murphy's Irish charm. MGM didn't do many of this sort of movie once you descended from the heights of the THIN MAN series, and so it needs to be compared to the RKO programmers of the type. It comes off well in most departments, but it does lack focus and depends on the charm of Mr. George Murphy.... later U.S. Senator. That's one way of getting there, I suppose.

Here is a film that brought waves of nostalgia to an old movie buff who usually never forgets a film but often cannot remember the titles of something I have not seen in 50 years. I viewed it by chance on TCM and as soon as I saw the Umbrella Man I knew it was an old favorite from childhood. I am constantly drawn to any film about London and this was no exception. It contains much of the usual elements of period London, the constant fog, Big Ben, elegant town house, eerie Thames River, bumbling police, pub, two lovely ladies and a semi-comical newspaper man protagonist. However it was the bone-chilling Umbrella Man that made the indelible imprint on my young mind years ago. Now the film seems silly and outdated and not the least bit scary, oh but what fun to see again.

The film contained credible performances with a somewhat predictable plot. With a little bit of rewriting and a skilled director I think this film would be a great candidate for a serious remake.

George Murphy is Denis, newspaperman in London. he's in a pub in london when all hell breaks loose. when a couple of locals are necking in the park, a man with an umbrella is spotted running around, late at night, and the locals are sure he's up to no good. bring in scotland yard. and when the clues lead to the Herrick mansion, Denis tries to figure out how Patricia Herrick (Rita Johnson) might be involved. finally, there's a demand for money. Denis and scotland yard backtrack and try to follow the clues. but it's not who they think! Murphy had only been in the biz a couple years when he got this starring role. directed by Wilhelme Thiele. had to leave germany, as Jews were not welcome there under adolph. Story by playwright and story man Will Scott. it's a shortie from MGM, apparently from the play "The Umbrella". and Murphy was actually a U.S. Senator!

MGM seldom delved into atmospheric B-film mysteries depicting "London By Night", since those kind of thrillers were usually made by studios like RKO and Universal during the '30s and '40s.

But this atmospheric mystery, filmed entirely on the MGM back lot, is a welcome diversion that graced the bottom half of double feature bills back in 1937.

GEORGE MURPHY is a man who wants to go to Paris in the morning (he tells us so about ten times during the course of the story), but reluctantly stays behind to solve a murder case involving a man who uses disguises and an umbrella to do his dastardly deeds.

RITA JOHNSON is the pretty socialite with the strict father (MONTAGUE LOVE) and her household includes LEO G. CARROL. GEORGE ZUCCO is on the good side of the law (for a change) as a Scotland Yard detective.

It's an entertaining little trifle that will keep you guessing as to the outcome after a few murders along the way. Unfortunately, VIRGINIA FIELD, as a Cockney barmaid, overacts outrageously in a desperate attempt to provide comic relief. The dog Corky is much better at that.

A murder occurs in a London night. A mystery man with an umbrella is seen running away. Reporter Michael Denis is always accompanied by his loyal dog Jones. Socialite Patricia Herrick joins him in his investigation along with Scotland Yard Inspector Jefferson.

The umbrella is a cute prop until it's not. It becomes more or less a gimmick. He is literally using the umbrella to hide behind even when he's indoors. It starts like a great concept, but it becomes a bit ridiculous. I like Michael's start with his dog. I like his connection with Patricia although they need more time together. They need the time to do more banter. I did get invested in the murder mystery even if it's only a flawed little film.