Watch The Moonstone

The Moonstone is a 1934 mystery film directed by Reginald Barker and based on the classic novel by Wilkie Collins. Set in England during the 1800s, the story revolves around the theft of a valuable diamond called the Moonstone. The movie opens with Lady Verinder (Sarah Allgood) receiving the Moonstone as a gift from her late husband. The diamond is said to bring bad luck to anyone who possesses it, and this prediction soon holds true when the gem goes missing on the night of Lady Verinder's birthday party. The theft sets off a series of events that reveal the hidden lives and motivations of the characters involved.

David Manners plays Franklin Blake, a highly respected and knowledgeable young man who is tasked with finding the stolen diamond. Phyllis Barry stars as Rachel Verinder, Lady Verinder's daughter, who is set to inherit the Moonstone. Gustav von Seyffertitz plays the cunning and manipulative jeweler, Septimus Luker, who has a shady past and close ties to the theft.

The movie follows Franklin Blake as he sets out to investigate the crime and retrieve the diamond. He enlists the help of Sergeant Cuff (Charles Irwin), a seasoned detective who has experience with such cases. Rachel Verinder, who is devastated by the loss of the Moonstone, becomes increasingly suspicious of those around her and even begins to question the motives of Franklin Blake.

As the investigation progresses, secrets are unearthed and suspicions mount. Everyone from the servants to the family members come under scrutiny as possible suspects. The movie is filled with intrigue, suspense, and unexpected twists that keep the viewer guessing until the very end.

The Moonstone combines elements of a classic whodunit mystery with a gothic and romantic atmosphere. The moody lighting and shadowy sets create a haunting and atmospheric feel that draws the viewer in. The performances of the cast are strong, especially David Manners as the determined and resourceful Franklin Blake. Phyllis Barry delivers a nuanced portrayal of Rachel Verinder as a woman torn between her desire for the truth and her loyalty to her family.

Overall, The Moonstone is a well-crafted and entertaining mystery film that remains faithful to the original novel. It is a compelling and suspenseful tale that still holds up today, more than 80 years after its initial release.

The Moonstone is a 1934 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 2 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.