Alibi for Murder

"Alibi for Murder" is one of those old movies for which I have mixed but largely fond feelings (the title sounds like it could be one from the Barnaby Jones files!). The movie is fun to watch because the portrayed characters are interesting to look at and the intriguing story is a little bit different than ordinary; the excellent print I saw made it feel even better than it is. In addition, Marguerite Churchill has a fascinating countenance that always imbues a film with added value.

On the other hand it obviously was made as cheaply as possible, having only a very few set locations and one gets the feeling the players did few retakes. Luckily the cast are tried and true hands and remembered the gist of their lines and delivered them largely improvisationally, but with involvement and feeling. They probably enjoyed coming to work on this project for a few days and then went on to their next quickies.

In sum, the film is minor but enjoyably pleasant nonetheless, moves along nicely in its 62 minutes, is deeply steeped in 1936 to be sure, and by tomorrow one will have forgotten having seen it.