The Dark Hour

A pair of detectives investigates the murder of an elderly millionaire who was the target of blackmail and death threats and find that there is no shortage of suspects, many of them in the victim's own family.

Berton Churchill and Ray Walker are drafted in to investigate the murder of a reclusive millionaire in this short, quite punchy little crime drama. It's presented in a slightly theatrical style - particularly Irene Ware ("Elsa Carson") who plays the niece, who much to the chagrin of her guardian, is keen on Walker; and the script is very much of it's time. EE Clive and Aggie Herring do well as the domestic staff and there's a brief appearance by Hedda Hopper, too. It's a little Agatha Christie light; but passes an hour easily enough.