Step into the shadowy world of 1930s Hollywood with The Death Kiss (1933), a gripping murder mystery that blends comedy, crime, and drama in a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. Directed by Edwin L. Marin in his debut, this pre-Code gem from K.B.S. Productions takes you behind the scenes of a bustling film studio where a shocking murder disrupts a movie shoot. With a stellar cast featuring Bela Lugosi, David Manners, and Adrienne Ames, this classic promises suspense, intrigue, and a touch of vintage charm. Perfect for fans of old Hollywood whodunits!
🔍 Plot
The film opens at Tonart Studios during the filming of The Death Kiss, a fictional movie within the movie. Actress Marcia Lane (Adrienne Ames) kisses her co-star Myles Brent as part of a scripted scene—only for Brent to be fatally shot with real bullets. Chaos ensues as the studio head, Leon A. Grossmith, frets over finances, and manager Joseph Steiner (Bela Lugosi) scrambles to control the publicity fallout. Enter Detective Lieutenant Sheehan and his bumbling sidekick Sergeant Hilliker, tasked with solving the crime. Meanwhile, screenwriter Franklyn Drew (David Manners), smitten with Marcia, takes it upon himself to investigate, uncovering clues that challenge the official narrative. Suspicion falls on an alcoholic ex-gaffer, Chalmers, fired by Brent, but as Drew digs deeper with the help of studio cop Gulliver, a web of secrets unravels. Was it revenge, jealousy, or something more sinister? The film’s clever mix of humor and tension keeps you guessing until the final frame.
🎭 Cast
David Manners as Franklyn Drew: The charming screenwriter turned amateur sleuth.
Adrienne Ames as Marcia Lane: The leading lady caught in a deadly plot.
Bela Lugosi as Joseph Steiner: The studio manager with a commanding presence.
John Wray as Detective Lt. Sheehan: The determined yet frustrated investigator.
Edward Van Sloan as Tom Avery: A supporting role adding depth to the mystery.
🎬 Why Watch?
The Death Kiss stands out with its behind-the-scenes Hollywood setting, a rare treat in 1933 cinema. Reuniting Lugosi and Van Sloan from Dracula (1931), it capitalizes on their gothic allure while delivering a fast-paced whodunit. The film’s modest budget shines through in its creative use of tinted sequences—a gimmick to lure Depression-era audiences. At 1h 42m, it’s a compact yet thrilling ride, blending pre-Code edge with classic suspense. Stream it now to experience a forgotten treasure of early sound cinema!
Hashtags
#TheDeathKiss #1933Movies #ClassicMystery
00:00:00 The Fatal Kiss
00:08:04 Investigation Begins
00:25:04 Suspicions Rise
00:40:04 wists and Turns
01:05:04 The Killer Revealed
🔍 Plot
The film opens at Tonart Studios during the filming of The Death Kiss, a fictional movie within the movie. Actress Marcia Lane (Adrienne Ames) kisses her co-star Myles Brent as part of a scripted scene—only for Brent to be fatally shot with real bullets. Chaos ensues as the studio head, Leon A. Grossmith, frets over finances, and manager Joseph Steiner (Bela Lugosi) scrambles to control the publicity fallout. Enter Detective Lieutenant Sheehan and his bumbling sidekick Sergeant Hilliker, tasked with solving the crime. Meanwhile, screenwriter Franklyn Drew (David Manners), smitten with Marcia, takes it upon himself to investigate, uncovering clues that challenge the official narrative. Suspicion falls on an alcoholic ex-gaffer, Chalmers, fired by Brent, but as Drew digs deeper with the help of studio cop Gulliver, a web of secrets unravels. Was it revenge, jealousy, or something more sinister? The film’s clever mix of humor and tension keeps you guessing until the final frame.
🎭 Cast
David Manners as Franklyn Drew: The charming screenwriter turned amateur sleuth.
Adrienne Ames as Marcia Lane: The leading lady caught in a deadly plot.
Bela Lugosi as Joseph Steiner: The studio manager with a commanding presence.
John Wray as Detective Lt. Sheehan: The determined yet frustrated investigator.
Edward Van Sloan as Tom Avery: A supporting role adding depth to the mystery.
🎬 Why Watch?
The Death Kiss stands out with its behind-the-scenes Hollywood setting, a rare treat in 1933 cinema. Reuniting Lugosi and Van Sloan from Dracula (1931), it capitalizes on their gothic allure while delivering a fast-paced whodunit. The film’s modest budget shines through in its creative use of tinted sequences—a gimmick to lure Depression-era audiences. At 1h 42m, it’s a compact yet thrilling ride, blending pre-Code edge with classic suspense. Stream it now to experience a forgotten treasure of early sound cinema!
Hashtags
#TheDeathKiss #1933Movies #ClassicMystery
00:00:00 The Fatal Kiss
00:08:04 Investigation Begins
00:25:04 Suspicions Rise
00:40:04 wists and Turns
01:05:04 The Killer Revealed
Category
🎥
Short film