Footsteps in the Sand (1939)

A murder case sparks a sensationalist press frenzy as it becomes clear that the killer only strikes when there is a full moon.

Director:

Paul L. Stein

Writers:

Dudley Leslie, Gordon Sherry (play)

Stars:

Joan Marion, Raymond Massey, Elliott Mason

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Joan Marion	...	Mary Charrington
Raymond Massey	...	Peter Charrington
Elliott Mason	...	Jemima
Walter Hudd	...	Lawrence Crawford
Henry Oscar	...	Inspector Tanner
Dan Tobin	...	Roberts - Reporter
Leslie Bradley	...	Bill - Young Detective on Duty
Diana Beaumont	...	Gwen - Young Maid Next Door
Coral Browne	...	Lily James

Storyline

A girl is murdered and the evidence points strongly toward Peter Charrington, who disappeared right after the crime. His wife Mary isn't thoroughly convinced that Peter isn't guilty but she loyally hides him when he sneaks back to their home. Developing circumstances show that other murders have been done under the same circumstances of a full moon. Mary begins to gather pieces of evidence that the murderer is her attorney, Lawrence Crawford, seized by moments of moon-madness.

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Plot Keywords:

american reporter | husband wife relationship | bungalow | murderer | killer | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 June 1939 (USA)

Also Known As:

Footsteps in the Sand

Company Credits

Production Co:

Associated British Picture Corporation (ABPC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

70 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film is featured in Agatha Christie's Poirot 'The A.B.C. Murders' television episode. Mr. Cust was watching it in the theatre between the B and C murders.

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Quotes

Mary Charrington: You've been very careful, but you made one mistake. It'll be the first time that anyone has suggested you as the murderer. You'll be watched, you'll be questioned, you'll be followed, you'll give yourself away, and they'll get you.
Lawrence Crawford: I killed her, did I? Accusing me, are you? Why don't you run away Mary? Move if you can, but you don't move Mary. Why?
Mary Charrington: Because...
Lawrence Crawford: Because you know I'm not the killer.
Mary Charrington: Yes!
Lawrence Crawford: That's where you're wrong. I am the Dorset murderer. I killed Lily James, and all the others, ...

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Connections

Version of Armchair Theatre: Black Limelight (1956)

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