Haunted House

Jackie Moran is the office boy at the small-town newspaper. He's ambitious to be a reporter, and the ongoing trial of Christian Rub, the simple-minded handyman accused of the murder of his employer, has him incensed. His employer, George Cleveland, tells him to mind his own work, but Jackie talks Cleveland's niece into helping him. Despite setbacks, they persevere, leading them to the home of the murdered woman.

I's directed by Robert MacGowan, best remembered as the director of the OUR GANG series throughout the silent era. It's a cheap production from Monogram, anxious to promote their own adolescent stars, but without the budgeting power that the majors could offer. The result is more cute than expert, even though the mild good humor keeps things flowing at a reasonable rate.

This is the story of two kids who try to get their friend Olaf cleared of murder charges. Olaf worked for a rich old lady who turned up dead. Despite Olaf being a jovial guy he appears to be the only suspect and so was brought up on charges. Jimmy and Millie are the only two people who believe in their friends innocence and so begin to snoop around and find out that all is not as it seems.

I somehow think this film seemed nostalgic even in 1940 when it came out. This is very much a period piece who's period has long gone. It seems aimed at the juvenile market than the adult market. The mystery, while strong is hampered by the gosh, gee attitude of the kids, who seem stuck somewhere around twelve despite being old enough to drive. The friction between the adult murder mystery and the childishness and imaginativeness of much of the proceedings make for an odd mix where everyone loses.I know that sounds like a stupid reason for not liking the movie, but if you saw the film you'd probably understand what I was getting at.

This is one of those films that almost works but doesn't quite do so. By almost working it doesn't quite reach the level of watchablity and so falls into the pit of "why am I bothering". This isn't to say that the film is a total write off, its not (the mystery in a different frame work would be great), its just the whole thing doesn't quite work the way it should. If you run across it and are curious try it it may strike you differently,

A fun film produced to cash in on the popularity of mysteries that swept the late '30's / early '40's. Very well done for an obvious "low budget" b-film. "Want-to-be" reporter and editor's niece do their best to prove innocence of accused murderer. Much circumstantial evidence leads them down several wrong paths, causing frustration and chastizing from elders. Perserverance pays off as they finally convince the law of friend's innocence, surprising everyone with the guilt of the real culprit. Definitely worth viewing.

Ok, I'm 75 and I like old movies. This is dead on the genre of black and white films made from about 1930 through somewhere around 1948 that were comedic but involved a murder mystery. The murderer stays in the shadows scattering clues around and the stars of the show slowly and painfully track him/her/them down. Naturally the authorities are in the way hampering the investigation and the stars are put in improbable danger which cannot come to pass because it would ruin the film.

Normally it takes two stars, male and female, who needle one another endlessly but must have one another to make the bust. In fact, as the film moves forward, they come to rely on each other more and more ending up hopelessly in love. They realize they love one another but can't admit it until the end of the movie, but sometimes never depending on the writers.

The Nancy Drew mysteries fit the mold, except for the getting together at the end. Nonetheless, the audience knows Nancy has picked her man and his chances of escape are nil; thus, they will get together, we trust, even though the movie ends without a romantic commitment.

Haunted House 1940 falls directly into this category of film, and I really like this one. It takes place in a small town and the chemistry between the two leads, Jones and Moran, is perfect. The title is off, no haunted house, but there is a murder and a lot of suspicious activity, and really nutty ideas from Jones about how to solve the crime. Naturally, Moran will do anything she requests almost without resistance. The result is constant trouble of a laughable nature. You will not bend over laughing, but there are a ton of laughs and humorous moments and funny situations all throughout the movie. This is a great feel good movie in every way. Nothing heavy, which I really like because I don't watch movies for life lessons or reminders about how hard life is.

Highly recommended. AD2.

Although the house concerned isn't haunted, it's merely the crime scene of a murder, young Jackie Moran who works in a small town newspaper is determined to find the killer and prove his worth to editor George Cleveland. He's also showing off for Cleveland's niece Marcia Mae Jones who's visiting from out of town.

For a cheap Monogram programmer it's not Gone With The Wind, but not all that bad either. Moran barks up a wrong tree at first, but eventually gets it right. Imagine having your grandmother being the alibi for your first suspect.

The murder turns out to be a cover-up for another crime. The victim was a wealthy widow and her killer is one whom she gave her trust. And a rather obvious choice.

Not a bad film, but not one to write home about.