London by Night *** (1937, George Murphy, Rita Johnson, Virginia Field, George Zucco, Leo G Carroll) – Classic Movie Review 9177

Kidnapping and blackmail are at the heart of a series of mysterious murders by an umbrella-wielding killer taking place in London during the dead of night, investigated by Scotland Yard policeman Inspector Jefferson (George Zucco) and newspaperman Michael Denis (George Murphy), along with his dog and socialite companion (Rita Johnson).

Director William Thiele’s 1937 murder thriller London by Night is slightly cheap looking, but effectively creepy MGM B-movie, with a nifty screenplay by George Oppenheimer, based on Will Scott’s play The Umbrella Man, an eerie atmosphere with the help of Leonard M Smith’s black and white cinematography, and strong performances from an ensemble of quality players led by musicals man George Murphy in a competent straight turn.

Yes, with London all filmed at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, 10202 W. Washington Blvd, Culver City, California, it is creaky, hammy and a bit stagy, but that is all part of the vintage fun.

Also in the cast are Rita Johnson, Leo G Carroll, Virginia Field, Montagu Love, Eddie Quillan, Leonard Mudie, J M Kerrigan, Neil Fitzgerald, Ivan F Simpson, and Harry Stubbs.

London by Night is directed by William Thiele, runs 70 minutes is made and released by MGM, is written by George Oppenheimer, based on Will Scott’s play The Umbrella Man, is shot in black and white by Leonard M Smith, is produced by Sam Zimbalist, is scored by William Axt, and is designed by Cedric Gibbons.

© Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 9177

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com