The Bedroom Window

Ruth (May McAvoy)'s father is shot dead by an unknown assailant, and suspect number one is the boyfriend he has mysteriously barred from seeing her, Robert (Ricardo Cortez). But someone's not convinced by the perfunctory police investigation. Enter Matilda Jones (Ethel Wales), a wonderfully feisty older woman who, under the name Rufus Romes, is a best-selling crime novelist. Now she turns her attentions towards the real-life crime at hand, and her clever amateur sleuthing uncovers a raft of secrets.

The film starts a little slowly, but from the minute the wonderful Ethel Wales appears, it's a delight. The central mystery is cleverly plotted and well directed by William DeMille (older brother of Cecil). While the supporting cast is fine, this is Wales' movie through and through. There are shades of Jessica Fletcher and both Agatha Christie and Miss Marple in her witty performance. If you're a fan of silents or whodunnits - or both - this will come as a treat.