Strangers of the Evening

Strangers of the Evening is an intriguing 1932 film full of suspense, mystery, comedy and a dash of horror, which explores a captivating plot tied around a funeral parlour. Directed by H. Bruce Humberstone, the film features legendary actors such as Zasu Pitts, Eugene Pallette and Lucien Littlefield, whose collective performances imbue the film with every ingredient necessary to command the attention of its audience.

The film transports the audience back to the 1930s, setting the classic stage for the unfolding of its remarkable storyline. In Strangers of the Evening, unexplained occurrences abound as the curtain lifts on an unusual twist in the prism of human existence—cheating death.

The plot encapsulates the eccentric yet comic character of a funeral parlour owner, known as Robert Wharton, played expertly by Lucien Littlefield. Wharton leads the audience through a hilarious, yet morbid business that paints death in a comedic light, offering an intriguing blend of humor and suspense. He has concocted an alternative method for individuals to evade the clutches of death and uses his innovative process on himself, resulting in an unexpected outcome.

The film begins weaving its web of suspense as several guests at Wharton's funeral parlour start coming back to life, bewildering everyone present and catalyzing a series of shenanigans. Among the resurrected is a businessman, magnificently portrayed by Eugene Pallette, who wakes up in a morgue, completely oblivious of what transpired. Thus ensues the uproarious journey of the businessman who must find out how he landed in such an eerie place, while also dealing with the baffling revelation of him being presumed dead.

At the heart of the comedy of this film is the characterization of Thelma Todd, performed by the illustrious Zasu Pitts, whose histrionic flair brings elements of hilarity to life. Her role of an anxious and high-strung girlfriend to the businessman never fails to elicit laughter throughout the movie. Her exceptional performance in a key role elevates the unusual narrative of Strangers of the Evening, supplementing the amalgamation of comedy and mystery.

The screenplay and dialogue of the film, crafted by Robert Ellis and Helen Logan, skillfully intertwine the elements of humor, shock, and enigma, enhancing the overall charm of the movie. From its intriguing circumstances and shrouded in mystery character encounters to amusing mishaps and comedic turn of events, Strangers of the Evening remains a testament to the creative potential of storytelling in the Golden Age of Hollywood.

As the story deepens with suspense, an investigation led by a thrill-seeking detective ensues in a bid to uncover the bizarre twist of events. With a touch of irony, the revived guests of the funeral parlour set out to solve the mystery of their supposed deaths. The detective's zealous exploration and the hilarity intertwined with the characters' quest unravel a riveting narrative that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

Strangers of the Evening, for all its hilarity and horror, also reflects on the theme of mortality, albeit in a light-hearted manner. It brings forth a marked deviation from conventional movie genres that either depict life and death in a completely serious or overly romanticized light. Instead, it offers a more balanced, albeit comedic, portrayal of life's ultimate inevitability.

The film’s set and costume design echo the period of the 1930s perfectly, representing the ethos of the time and consistently maintaining the atmospheric ambience, enhancing the viewer's immersion in the narrative. The background score subtly accentuates the movie's transitions from mystery to comedy and dramatic sequences.

In conclusion, Strangers of the Evening offers a highly entertaining blend of comedy, suspense, and a touch of horror. It stands as a testament to the innovation and artistic creativity of filmmakers in the 1930s. The film cleverly challenges and subverts conventions, resulting in an offbeat cinematic journey that will keep its viewers enchanted long after its final scene. With veteran actors Eugene Pallette, Zasu Pitts, and Lucien Littlefield steering this surprisingly engaging narrative, Strangers of the Evening remains a must-watch for the lovers of classic cinema.