Watch One Thrilling Night

One Thrilling Night is a black and white crime thriller released in 1942. Directed by William Beaudine, the movie stars John Beal, Wanda McKay, and Warren Hymer in lead roles. The movie's runtime is about 65 minutes and it is rated PG. The movie revolves around the character of Steve Ward (John Beal), a young reporter who is trying to solve the mystery of a murder that takes place in a deserted mansion, previously owned by a famous gambler. Coincidentally, Steve gets an anonymous tip that a crime is about to take place at the same mansion, and he decides to investigate. When Steve reaches the mansion for his investigation, he finds that the body of the gambler's wife has been found in the bedroom. The coroner estimates that she has been dead for two hours.

With the help of an old detective friend, Steve comes across several clues that suggest that the killer is still inside the mansion. Steve suspects each individual he comes across, while most of them try to frame others for the murder. Gradually, Steve puts together the pieces of the puzzle and uncovers the killer's identity.

Wanda McKay plays the role of Julie, the mansion's current owner, who joins Steve in his investigation. The movie depicts a romantic relationship between the two, which adds a bit of flavor to the otherwise intense plotline. Warren Hymer plays the character of "Beef," Julie's chauffeur who is later revealed to be a con-artist.

One Thrilling Night is a typical whodunit movie of its time, with a strong mystery and an unexpected twist ending. The movie's plot unfolds smoothly, keeping the audience engaged and asking questions with no shortage of red herrings. Although the movie was made on a limited budget, impressive cinematography was used to create the atmosphere of the mansion, which added darkness and tension to the scenes.

The performances of the lead actors, especially John Beal, are noteworthy. Beal's portrayal of a fearless reporter, always on the lookout for a story, stands out in the movie, while Wanda McKay's natural acting makes her character relatable to the audience. Warren Hymer's portrayal of Beef gives the audience a character to root against.

The movie's music score, composed by David Chudnow, effectively conveys the mood of suspense and danger. The music adds to the overall theatrical impact, highlighting key moments of tension and apprehension.

The movie's poster features a woman in a white dress holding a gun, with a tag line pointing towards the mystery and intrigue of the plot. The poster's design gives hints of the film's aura – mysterious, exciting, and thrilling, and it grabs the potential viewers' attention.

One Thrilling Night was released in 1942, during World War II, and it provided a distraction from the harsh realities of the times. It offered an attractive escape into a world of mystery and intrigue, with easily recognizable heroes and villains. It did not require a big audience, sweeping landscapes, or special effects. It was relatively simple, giving audiences what they wanted: entertainment and excitement.

In conclusion, One Thrilling Night is a classic whodunit movie from the 1940s. It gives the audience a thrilling story, keeping them engaged with well-structured plot twists and turns. The performances of the lead cast, the movie's cinematography, music score, and general presentation make it worth watching. The movie remains relatable and entertaining over seventy years after its release.

One Thrilling Night is a 1942 mystery 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 5.6.