The Midnight Warning

The Midnight Warning is also known as Eyes of Mystery. It's a very early mystery flick that doesn't feel like the typical Poverty Row production floating around in cheap DVD movie packs.

Detective Cornish is called to hotel to take a look at a bone his friend found in the fireplace. As they investigate the detective's friend mysteriously collapses. When Dr. Walcott is nearly shot dead while examining the body Cornish realizes there is a sniper who doesn't want the mystery solved. Their prime suspect tells a strange tale about how his finacee had once visited the hotel with her brother who mysteriously vanished. The completely lack of evidence landed her in a mental institution. Is she really crazy or is something evil afoot here?

This is a movie that has its ups and downs. The mystery is interesting and arguably more engaging and less ridiculous than other mystery flicks of the era. The ending is very atypical particularly of the time period. I could see it being unsatisfying for some, but it is interesting in a dark way.

The atmosphere goes for a creepy mood that is less light-hearted than similar films. By today's standards it might be more campy than spooky, but it still creates a different feel than I'm used to from 30's films.

The acting can come across stiffly, but some of it is not bad at all. William Boyd (NOT Hopalong Cassidy!) turns in a decent performance as the star with others ranging from tolerable to not bad.

MORALITY:

Typical of these old black-and-white movies there is no sex, nudity, or strong language. The violence is perhaps slightly more graphic than usual but is still virtually negligible by modern standards.

SPIRITUALITY:

There is nothing substantially spiritual in this one.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

If you like early mystery films I think you might want to see Midnight Warning. It's not the typical 30's fare even if it's not greatly removed from those types. You need to be able to tolerate dated quality to enjoy it, but it's worth the effort.

#TheMidnightWarning