London by Night

I had never heard of this film or George Murphy my main reason for watching it was George Zucco and I was not disappointed. The mystery kept me entertained the cast were excellent would certainly recommend it to fans of thirties mystery films.

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 Now the film seems silly and outdated and not the least bit scary, oh but what fun to see again.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.

There's not much to this. A reporter is detained from a trip to Paris due to a series of murders he initially has not interest in. He gets hooked up with a rich girl who likes adventure and this almost gets her killed. The murderer runs around with an umbrella which identifies him but also keeps him from being apprehended (it is foggy, after all, and everyone seems to have the same umbrella). There are some pretty good performances by Leo G. Carroll and George Zucco. George Murphy pulls things off pretty well, but the whole plot is too transparent. There is also an interesting romantic development between the two leads. The ending leaves a bit to be desired, but it does have some plausibility. Nevertheless, the film is interesting, atmospheric in places, but pretty unremarkable.

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.