Two things make Murder! interesting before one even sees it - it's early Hitchcock and the film is 87 years old!
It's not your typical Hitchcock story. A famous actor (Herbert Marshall) sits on a jury that convicts a young actress, Diana (Norah Baring) of murder, but he's haunted by the verdict. He had an encounter with this woman some time before and suggested she gain experience by "working in the provinces." He now feels slightly responsible, as she is accused of murdering a young female costar.
Enlisting the help of a married couple in the company, he sets out to find out what really happened.
Marshall is young and attractive, and Esme Percy as Handel Fane is very memorable. A distinguished stage actor, he actually studied with Sarah Bernhardt, and roles were written for him by Bernard Shaw. His style and look are unusual.
This was filmed in a precise manner - the camera focusing on doorways, going along the floor where the murder took place and showing the bloody poker.
The climax of the film is pure Hitchcock and astounding. Well worth sitting through this early movie. Hitchcock always is.
