The gaslights of London cast long, dancing shadows as the Old Bailey looms, a stone leviathan guarding secrets and lies. Inside, the fate of Diana Baring hangs precariously in the balance. Accused of murdering Edna Druce, the young actress stands pale and resolute as the jury files in. Among them is Sir John Menier, a celebrated actor himself, whose discerning eyes see something the others seem to miss – a flicker of innocence in Diana’s haunted gaze. He listens intently as the prosecuting counsel weaves a damning narrative, painting Diana as a jealous rival. Ted Markham, a fellow performer and witness, offers damning testimony. Yet, Sir John remains unconvinced, a seed of doubt planted within him. Handel Fane, a flamboyant and enigmatic character connected to the victim, adds another layer of intrigue to the case. Determined to uncover the truth, Sir John embarks on his own investigation, venturing into the shadowy underbelly of the theater world, where ambition, secrets, and betrayal lurk behind every curtain.
Movie Overview
| Title | Murder! |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1930-07-31 |
| Runtime | 102 minutes |
| Genre | Mystery, Crime, Thriller |
Movie Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|---|
| Herbert Marshall | Sir John Menier |
| Edward Chapman | Ted Markham |
| Esme Percy | Handel Fane |
| Norah Baring | Diana Baring |
| Phyllis Konstam | Doucie Markham |
| Marie Wright | Miss Mitcham |
| Miles Mander | Gordon Druce |
| Gus McNaughton | Tom Trewitt (uncredited) |
| Donald Calthrop | Ion Stewart |
| S. J. Warmington | Bennett |
| Esme V. Chaplin | Prosecuting Counsel |
| Amy Brandon Thomas | Defending Counsel |
| Joynson Powell | Judge |
| R.E. Jeffrey | Foreman of the Jury |
| Una O’Connor | Mrs. Grogram |
| Hannah Jones | Mrs. Didsome |
| Alfred Hitchcock | Man on Street (uncredited) |
| Alan Stainer | Jury Member |
| Kenneth Kove | Jury Member |
| Guy Pelham Boulton | Jury Member |
| Violet Farebrother | Jury Member |
| Clare Greet | Jury Member |
| Drusilla Wills | Jury Member |
| Robert Easton | Jury Member |
| William Fazan | Jury Member |
| George Smythson | Jury Member |
| Ross Jefferson | Jury Member |
| Picton Roxborough | Jury Member |
| Aileen Despard | Edna Druce (uncredited) |
Storyline
In the heart of London’s theatre district, the aspiring actress Diana Baring finds herself accused of murdering fellow actress Edna Druce, a crime of passion seemingly driven by jealousy. As the jury deliberates, Sir John Menier, a respected actor and one of the jurors, grapples with doubt. He cannot reconcile the evidence presented with his intuition, believing Diana to be innocent. Driven by a nagging sense of injustice, Sir John embarks on his own investigation, much to the dismay of the police and the court. He confides in his friend Ted Markham, seeking assistance in navigating the murky underbelly of the theatrical world and unearthing potential suspects. Their investigation leads them to Handel Fane, a peculiar and enigmatic figure connected to both Diana and the victim, whose motives remain shrouded in secrecy. As Sir John and Ted delve deeper, they uncover a web of hidden relationships, rivalries, and suppressed desires, revealing that Edna’s murder was not as straightforward as it seemed. The closer they get to the truth, the more dangerous their pursuit becomes, placing them in the crosshairs of a cunning killer desperate to protect their secret, culminating in a dramatic confrontation within the very theatre where the tragedy began, revealing a shocking twist that exonerates Diana and exposes the true culprit.
Details
In the gripping thriller, “Murder!”, set against the backdrop of London’s theatre scene, a jury finds young actress Diana Baring, portrayed by Norah Baring, guilty of murdering another woman. However, Sir John Menier, played by Herbert Marshall, a compassionate and insightful juror and renowned actor, harbors doubts about Diana’s guilt. Haunted by the circumstantial evidence and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case, Sir John embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the truth, risking his reputation and career. He is aided in his investigation by the loyal and somewhat comedic Ted Markham, portrayed by Edward Chapman, a friend who provides both practical assistance and moral support. As Sir John delves deeper into the investigation, he encounters the enigmatic Handel Fane, brought to life by Esme Percy, a character who adds layers of intrigue to the unfolding mystery. The deeper Sir John investigates the more he questions the nature of justice and the power of perception, battling against time and mounting evidence to expose the real killer and save Diana Baring from a wrongful execution.
FAQs
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What is the movie “Murder!” about?
The movie follows a juror who believes an actress is innocent of murder and seeks to find the real killer.
What genres does “Murder!” fall into?
It is classified as Mystery, Crime, and Thriller.
Who directed “Murder!”?
Alfred Hitchcock directed “Murder!”.
Who are some of the main actors in “Murder!”?
The movie stars Herbert Marshall, Edward Chapman, and Esme Percy.
When was “Murder!” released?
“Murder!” was released on July 31, 1930.
What country did “Murder!” originate from?
“Murder!” originated from the United Kingdom (GB) and United States (US).
What is the runtime of “Murder!”?
The runtime of “Murder!” is 102 minutes.
What is the tagline for the movie “Murder!”?
The tagline is “Who killed Edna Druce?”.
What is the IMDb ID for “Murder!”?
The IMDb ID is tt0021165.
What is the vote average for “Murder!” on TMDB?
The vote average is 5.9 based on 133 votes.
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