Murder with Pictures

'Murder with Pictures' from 1936 is a gripping and classic detective movie directed by Charles Barton that combines elements of mystery, suspense, and crime in a unique and fascinating way. The film is based on a novel written by the eminent author George Harmon Coxe and features acclaimed actors such as Lew Ayres, Gail Patrick, and Paul Kelly in the lead roles.

The film opens with Lew Ayres playing the role of Kent Murdock, a dedicated and virtuous news photographer for a prominent New York City newspaper. Murdock is emerging as a splendid example of the popular and widely accepted character genre of the time – the hard-boiled detective archetype. He is assertive, no-nonsense, and relentless in his pursuits of tracking down the truth, incessantly capturing crime scenes, and solving mysteries.

However, Kent Murdock, unlike conventional detectives, does not carry guns or magnifying glasses for his investigations. Instead, he equips himself with his camera, a tool that he believes beholds evidence, gathers facts and deciphers secrets behind heinous crimes. But in this narrative, things take an unusual turn when he finds himself entangled in a peculiar murder mystery, slowly realizing the hard-hitting truth that his photographs may unintentionally serve as evidence to deeds he didn't commit.

Gail Patrick plays the female lead role of Meg Archer, a tenacious and shrewd lawyer's secretary, who unwittingly gets caught up in the dangerous and intriguing world of crime and deception. Throughout the film, we see how Archer and Murdock's destinies become increasingly interlaced in a web of crime and deceit that becomes the movie's central conflict.

Paul Kelly takes up the role of Lieutenant Tom Mallory - a seasoned and pragmatic police investigator, determined to unravel the truth at any cost. His interactions with the other characters add a unique and striking layer to the film's narrative, showing a stark contrast between formal police procedure and Murdock’s more unconventional methods.

In 'Murder with Pictures,' the story unfolds elegantly, using a careful balance of suspense and smart storytelling to maintain its audience on the edge of their seats. The film successfully portrays the use of photography as a tool for evidence gathering, which was a novelty at the time, adding another level of authentic intrigue to the narrative.

The direction by Charles Barton is skillful and engaging. He remarkably binds the crime-drama narrative together with visually compelling sequences and well-paced plot development. The scenes are not just about tracking down the murderer but also about unraveling the broader implications of photographic evidence and the consequences it can have, even stretching into the realm of the innocent.

The screenplay, art direction, and sound mixing contribute significantly to the film's overall appeal, making it a feast for the senses while delivering a captivating storyline filled with unexpected twists and turns. The mood set by the film is a blend of overhanging dread and nebulous excitement, classic to the detective crime-thriller genre of that era. The cinematography crafts a world where every frame is filled with dark secrets and dangerous shadows, adding to the gruesome and mysterious climate.

'Murder with Pictures' delivers stellar performances with each actor excelling in their respective roles. Lew Ayres as Kent Murdock provides a commanding screen presence, Gail Patrick excels as Meg Archer, slipping seamlessly into the skin of her character, and Paul Kelly is adroit and compelling as Lieutenant Tom Mallory.

In conclusion, 'Murder with Pictures' is not just another murder mystery. By combining elements of suspense, crime, and dramatic twists, it stands out in the diverse mix of 1930s Hollywood detective movie canon while brilliantly showcasing classic film noir elements. This movie is indeed a must-watch for anyone with a taste for vintage crime dramas and detective mysteries.