CHARLES DAVID

Bil’s rating (out of 5):   BBBBB. 

USA, 1945.  Universal Pictures.  Screenplay by Edmund Beloin, Robert O’Brien, based on the original story by Leslie Charteris.  Cinematography by Elwood Bredell.  Produced by Felix Jackson.  Music by Miklos Rozsa.  Production Design by Robert Clatworthy, John B. Goodman.  Costume Design by Howard Greer.  Film Editing by Ted J. Kent.  

Deanna Durbin plays the daughter of a wealthy media magnate who takes a trip to New York and, during a pause on the train’s trip right before getting into Grand Central Station, witnesses a murder through her window. When she arrives in the city she tries to tell the authorities but is laughed at as a prankster, so she decides to investigate for herself.  Her sleuthing leads her to pester a famous mystery writer she’s a big fan of, then takes her out to the suburbs where she infiltrates the mansion of a weird, wealthy family with all manner of eccentric members and secrets. The film is the perfect balance of comedy and suspense, witty with its dialogue but quite tense at times as well, with Durbin handling it all marvelously. Gorgeous to look at, plus features a couple of lovely tunes including Durbin’s rendition of Cole Porter’s “Night And Day”.

Academy Award Nomination:  Best Sound Recording