Typical throw-away 'Who Dun it' made by all the Studios to full-fill their obligations too their theater chain commitments. The difference with this film is we all know 'Who Dun it' from the get-go.
UNDER COVER OF NIGHT (1937) M.G.M. (70") is a tightly scripted and filmed 'B' programmer. It features second line Stars under contract, plus a supporting cast from their stock company. Edmund Lowe formally was a mainline Star at FOX during the 20s' through the early 30s', now a suave character actor. A second rate William Powell. Sara Haden, best known as 'Aunt Milly' in the ANDY HARDY series is the first victim. Her husband is Henry Daniell, which telegraphs from the opening credits who the murderer is. The rest of cast is readably identifiable. Johnny Arthur, Harry Davenport, Dean Jagger, Nat Pendleton, Dorothy Peterson and Frank Reicher. If you do not recognize any of them, you do not know movies.
The plot-line is hardly credible, but the professionalism of the cast and its quick pace makes it enjoyable. True, there is not ANY suspense in this mystery. It is all there in the first 10". That does not make it a less enjoyable watch. Sometimes it is just fun to view a group of competent actors just go through their paces without skipping a beat. Not cheating themselves or their employers while picking up their paychecks!
UNDER COVER OF NIGHT (1937) M.G.M. (70") is a tightly scripted and filmed 'B' programmer. It features second line Stars under contract, plus a supporting cast from their stock company. Edmund Lowe formally was a mainline Star at FOX during the 20s' through the early 30s', now a suave character actor. A second rate William Powell. Sara Haden, best known as 'Aunt Milly' in the ANDY HARDY series is the first victim. Her husband is Henry Daniell, which telegraphs from the opening credits who the murderer is. The rest of cast is readably identifiable. Johnny Arthur, Harry Davenport, Dean Jagger, Nat Pendleton, Dorothy Peterson and Frank Reicher. If you do not recognize any of them, you do not know movies.
The plot-line is hardly credible, but the professionalism of the cast and its quick pace makes it enjoyable. True, there is not ANY suspense in this mystery. It is all there in the first 10". That does not make it a less enjoyable watch. Sometimes it is just fun to view a group of competent actors just go through their paces without skipping a beat. Not cheating themselves or their employers while picking up their paychecks!