Watch Murder At The Windmill

Murder At The Windmill from 1949 is a classic British murder mystery film, directed by Val Guest. The movie is set in Soho, London, and revolves around the murder of a highly respected member of the theatrical community, Carlotta Francesca, who owned the Windmill Theatre. The film stars Garry Marsh as Inspector Fellows, Jack Livesey as Richard Fenton, Jon Pertwee as Tommy Towers, and other familiar faces from the era.

The Windmill Theatre is known for its variety shows, and the movie opens with a full house enjoying one of the performances. However, Carlotta Francesca is found dead in her office, and the audience is cleared out while the investigation begins. Although the police initially suspect her young protege Jenny Lynn, played by Eve Gray, they soon learn that the case is more complex than they had initially envisioned. Inspector Fellows is determined to solve the case, and he takes on the responsibility of determining who is responsible for the murder of Carlotta Francesca.

As the investigation progresses, Inspector Fellows and his team face many obstacles, including a lack of witnesses, false clues, and red herrings. They interview several persons of interest, including actresses, performers, and acquaintances of the deceased, all with unique motivations and secrets to hide. Richard Fenton, a playwright, and Jenny Lynn become prime suspects, and there are plenty of twists and turns throughout the film to keep the audience guessing.

The movie also explores the relationships between the characters and their personal struggles, adding depth to the plot. There are hints of romantic tension between Richard Fenton and Jenny Lynn, and their connection to Carlotta Francesca is slowly unraveled. Tommy Towers, an emcee for the Windmill Theatre, provides much of the humor in the film, but he also has a secret of his own. As the investigation continues, the characters' personalities and motives are brought to the surface, adding to the suspense.

The climax of the movie takes place at a courtroom trial, where Inspector Fellows presents evidence that leads to the identity of the killer. The tension builds as characters come face to face with their own guilt and the inevitable consequences of their actions. Finally, the murderer is revealed, and justice is served.

Overall, Murder At The Windmill is a well-crafted whodunit that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The characters are well-drawn, the plot is intelligent, and the film does not reveal too much too early. The twists and turns of the investigation keep the audience guessing, just as the characters are, and the resolution is satisfying. The production design and costume work provide an authentic look into London's Soho district in the late 1940s. The movie's theatrical setting adds a unique layer of intrigue to the story, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of both mystery and theater.

In conclusion, Murder At The Windmill is a must-see for fans of classic British cinema and mysteries. The film's timeless themes and compelling characters still hold up today, making it a true standout of its era. It is a perfect representation of the Golden Age of murder mysteries and serves as a reminder that great stories can be found in any time period.

Murder At The Windmill is a 2010 mystery with a runtime of 57 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.