7.3/10
1,610
30 user 10 critic

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.

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Writers:

(from the stage success of), (screen play)
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Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 4 wins. See more awards »
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Cast

Complete credited cast:
...
Kathleen Harrison ...
...
Mrs. Bramson (as Dame May Whitty)
...
Olivia
...
Nurse
Matthew Boulton ...
Belsize
...
...
Saleslady
...
Justin
Winifred Harris ...
Mrs. Laurie
...
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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. Written by Daniel Bubbeo <[email protected]>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

AMAZING! DIFFERENT! UNIQUE!


Certificate:

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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

30 April 1937 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Al caer la noche  »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(Western Electric Sound System)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

"Night Must Fall" was first presented in London at the Duchess Theatre on 31 May 1935, and featured Emlyn Williams as Dan; May Whitty as Mrs. Bramson; Angela Baddeley as Olivia Grayne; Kathleen Harrison as Mrs. Terence; Basil Radford as Hubert Laurie; and 'Matthew Boulton' as Inspector Belsize. The play was produced by Miles Malleson, and directed by Williams. Angela Baddeley, Matthew Boulton, May Whitty, and Emlyn Williams would reprise their roles in the 1936 Broadway production. See more »

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. See more »

Quotes

Danny: [Referring to Mrs. Branson] She's an invalid, isn't she?
Emily Terence, the Cook: If she's an invalid, I'm Mickey Mouse.
See more »

Crazy Credits

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

Connections

Featured in 100 Years of Horror: Maniacs (1996) See more »

Soundtracks

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

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User Reviews

 
Exceptional morbid comedy/drama
28 October 2002 | by (Oakland CA) – See all my reviews

Witty reverse morality story of an obnoxious old woman (Whitty) who takes in a lodger/servant to help her (and to spite her live-in niece, Russell, who doesn't know her aunt is leaving her $100 in her rich estate). He's "not an ordinary servant", and neither is she. They have a love story, too, shared in the dark in a time when fear and possibility are the same, and death and sex interchangeable. Thus, Danny (nice, innocent sounding name), left alone with the old woman -- makes his move. Montgomery is stunning and disarming as he shifts from "play acting" as the charming young gent to the possibly psychotic. Russell is also a convincing dark horse, saddled with a lame lover. Great photography, decent directing. This is a should-be legendary suspense film.


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