Directed by Alexis Thurn-Taxis and released by Producers Releasing Corporation (PRC), A Night for Crime is a brisk, low-budget mystery thriller that blends Hollywood glamour with murder intrigue. Clocking in at just under an hour, it’s a classic example of Poverty Row noir, offering snappy dialogue, shadowy cinematography, and a plot that unfolds in the glitzy yet dangerous world of movie studios.
Plot Summary
Joe Powell (Glenda Farrell), a fast-talking reporter, and her boyfriend Lieutenant Sam ‘Sammy’ Campbell (Lyle Talbot), a homicide detective, team up to investigate the murder of a studio executive. The crime occurs on the lot of Magnus Studios, and as Joe digs deeper, she uncovers a web of jealousy, ambition, and cover-ups among actors, producers, and screenwriters.
The film plays with the idea of Hollywood as both dream factory and crime scene, with suspects ranging from starlets to studio heads. Joe’s wit and Sammy’s grit drive the investigation forward, culminating in a tense confrontation and a classic noir-style reveal.
Cast Highlights
- Glenda Farrell as Joe Powell
- Lyle Talbot as Lt. Sam Campbell
- Ralph Sanford, Forrest Taylor, and Donald Kirke in supporting roles
- Farrell, known for her wisecracking roles in Warner Bros. B-movies, brings energy and charm to the lead
Production Notes
- Produced by PRC, a studio known for economical thrillers and genre fare
- Directed by Alexis Thurn-Taxis, whose career was brief but eclectic
- The film uses minimal sets and tight framing to evoke suspense
- Dialogue-heavy, with a tone that mixes romantic banter and hard-boiled investigation
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