Murder in Soho
| Industry | Film |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1939 |
| Founder | Norman Lee (director) |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Crime film |
Murder in Soho (known in the U.S. as Murder in the Night) is a 1939 British crime film helmed by director Norman Lee, featuring performances by Jack La Rue, Sandra Storme, Googie Withers, and Bernard Lee. The script was penned by F. McGrew Willis. The narrative revolves around a homicide that takes place in London's Soho area.
Plot
Steve Marco, a nightclub proprietor entangled in illicit dealings and harboring social aspirations, kills an associate who attempts to betray him following a murder at his establishment. Inspector Hammond leads the investigation and ultimately cracks the case, aided by one of the club's hostesses.
Cast
- Jack La Rue as Steve Marco
- Sandra Storme as Ruby Lane
- Bernard Lee as Roy Barnes
- Martin Walker as Inspector Hammond
- James Hayter as Nick Green
- Googie Withers as Lola Matthews
- Drue Leyton as Myrtle
- Arthur O'Connell as Lefty
- Edmon Ryan as Spike
- Francis Lister as Joe
- Alf Goddard as Mike
- Robert Beatty as Jack
- Diana Beaumont as girl
- Renee Gadd as woman in police station
- Joss Ambler as drunk
Reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin observed that although the film began with promise, it failed to sustain its initial energy. The critique pointed out that the inspector's questioning scenes and the early disclosure of the culprit lessened the tension. Jack La Rue and Sandra Storme were noted for their screen presence, despite Storme's occasional lack of conviction in her performance. Martin Walker contributed understated humor portraying the inspector.
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959, David Quinlan classified the movie as "mediocre," describing it as a conventional, swiftly produced nightclub thriller.