Watch Murder by Invitation

Murder by Invitation is a classic 1941 murder mystery film directed by Phil Rosen. It stars Wallace Ford as a detective, Marian Marsh as his love interest, and Sarah Padden as the wealthy and suspicious hostess, Lyda Marlow. The film begins as we are introduced to Lyda Marlow, who is hosting a party at her mansion. All of her guests are wealthy and influential people who have arrived at her invitation. One of her guests, a famous actress named Lila Kane, immediately catches Lyda's attention and jealousy. Lyda suspects that her husband, who has been mysteriously absent for the past few weeks, is having an affair with Lila.

The next morning, Lyda's husband is found dead in his car. The police investigate the case, but they are unable to determine the cause of death. Lyda's sudden disappearance raises suspicion, and it is discovered that she has gone into hiding. The police, as well as Lyda's guests, begin to suspect foul play.

In the midst of all the chaos, George Steele (Wallace Ford), a private detective, is hired to investigate the case. He is tasked with the job of uncovering the truth behind Lyda's husband's death and locating Lyda. As George begins to investigate the case, he discovers that almost everyone at the party had a motive for killing Lyda's husband. The suspects include Lila Kane, a scorned lover, and Lyda's own daughter, who wants to inherit her father's fortune.

George's investigation leads him down a dangerous path as he tries to piece together the clues and uncover the truth. He soon finds himself in the middle of a dangerous game of cat and mouse. As the investigation unfolds, George becomes increasingly convinced that Lyda is hiding something, and he sets out to discover what it is.

The film is full of suspense and intrigue, with twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the very end. The performances are excellent, especially those of Wallace Ford, Marian Marsh, and Sarah Padden. Each actor brings their characters to life and creates a tension-filled environment that keeps the audience entertained.

One of the highlights of the film is the intricate plot, which is both compelling and mysterious. The plot is full of clues, red herrings, and interesting characters, all of which make the film an enjoyable ride. The script is well-written, and the pacing is perfect, which keeps the audience engaged throughout the film.

In addition to the plot, the film's visuals are stunning. The sets are intricate and detailed, and the film's use of light and shadow creates a mood that is both suspenseful and eerie. The camera work is also impressive, with unique angles and creative shots that add to the overall atmosphere of the film.

Overall, Murder by Invitation is a classic murder mystery film that is a must-watch for fans of the genre. The film is well-crafted and full of fascinating characters, which makes it an entertaining and engaging ride from start to finish. With its intricate plot, impressive visuals, and talented cast, Murder by Invitation is definitely one of the best murder mystery films of its time.

Murder by Invitation is a 1941 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 7 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.