Night Must Fall (1937)

When a rich but cantankerous dowager on an isolated estates hires an engaging handyman, her niece/companion becomes suspicious of his motives.

Director:

Richard Thorpe

Writers:

Emlyn Williams (from the stage success of), John Van Druten (screen play)

Stars:

Merle Tottenham, Kathleen Harrison, Dame May Whitty

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 2 wins.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Merle Tottenham	...	Dora
Kathleen Harrison	...	Mrs. Terence
Dame May Whitty	...	Mrs. Bramson
Rosalind Russell	...	Olivia
Eily Malyon	...	Nurse
Matthew Boulton	...	Belsize
Robert Montgomery	...	Danny
Beryl Mercer	...	Saleslady
Alan Marshal	...	Justin
Winifred Harris	...	Mrs. Laurie
E.E. Clive	...	Guide

Storyline

Crotchety old Mrs. Bransom hires a charming young man named Danny as a live-in companion. Less charmed by Danny is Mrs. Bransom's niece, Olivia, a repressed young woman who suspects Danny of foul play. When news of a local murder is revealed, Olivia suspects Danny. Although repulsed by the thought he may have committed the crime, Olivia also finds herself becoming increasingly attracted to him at the same time.

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Plot Keywords:

dowager | suspicion | murder | woods | handyman | 

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Taglines:

AMAZING! DIFFERENT! UNIQUE!

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 April 1937 (USA)

Also Known As:

Al caer la noche

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

"The Screen Guild Theater" broadcast a 30 minute radio adaptation of the movie on July 24, 1944 with Dame May Whitty reprising her film role.

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Goofs

In Mrs. Bramson's bedroom, Danny tucks in Mrs. Bramson and leaves, closing the bedroom door with an audible click. The next scene shows Danny outside the bedroom again closing the still-open door.

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Quotes

Olivia Grayne: You've been drinking.
Danny: I've had a drink... and I feel fine...

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Crazy Credits

The main title reads "The astonishing London and New York stage success 'Night Must Fall' ".

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Connections

Spoofed in Knights Must Fall (1949)

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Soundtracks

"Mighty Lak' a Rose"
(1901) (uncredited)
Written by Ethelbert Nevin
Whistled by Robert Montgomery

User Reviews

Amazing Psychology in this Intriguing Movie

I had never heard of this movie. I watched it the other night on Turner Movie Classics.

Robert Montgomery is amazing in this role. His subtle English accent reminded me of Paul McCartney. He is totally immersed in this role.

Rosalind Russell is not that impressive until about the middle of the movie.

Her unwilling attraction to Babyface finally makes sense.

The other great performance was by Dame May Witty. She fell hook, line, and sinker for Babyface.

Had Babyface not been so self-destructive and amoral probably Mrs. Bramson would have left him her entire estate.

I strongly recommend this movie. It is beautifully filmed, directed, and acted. It is one of those movies made in the 30s that is surprisingly better than many of today's movies, and much more intrinsic in its twists and turns. All of the characters are defined and varied.

This could give Hitchcock a run for his money.