Murder At The Vanities 1934: A Personal Experience

Murder At The Vanities 1934: A Personal Experience

It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I was scrolling through my streaming service when I stumbled upon the 1934 film “Murder At The Vanities”. Intrigued by the title, I decided to give it a watch. Little did I know, the film would leave a lasting impression on me.

The Film

“Murder At The Vanities” was directed by Mitchell Leisen and starred Carl Brisson and Victor McLaglen. It is a pre-code musical comedy-mystery that takes place during a performance of the musical revue “Murder at the Vanities”. The film’s plot revolves around the murder of the show’s star, and the investigation that follows.

The Experience

As I watched the film, I was struck by the stunning visuals and impressive musical numbers. The film’s use of color was particularly impressive, and I found myself mesmerized by the vibrant costumes and sets.

However, what really stood out to me was the film’s dark and twisted plot. The murder mystery kept me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself constantly trying to piece together the clues. The film’s ending was particularly shocking, leaving me with a sense of unease long after the credits had rolled.

Current Trends

Despite being released over 80 years ago, “Murder At The Vanities” has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity. The film’s unique blend of genres has made it a cult classic among fans of both musicals and mysteries.

Additionally, the film’s pre-code status has made it a subject of interest among film historians and scholars. Its depiction of sex, violence, and taboo subjects provides a fascinating glimpse into the cultural attitudes of the time.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

1. Pay attention to the visual details – the film’s use of color and design is stunning.
2. Try to unravel the mystery alongside the characters – the clues are all there.
3. Appreciate the musical numbers – the film features some impressive performances.
4. Consider the film’s pre-code status and how it reflects the cultural attitudes of the time.
5. Watch the film with a group of friends and discuss the plot and its twists.
6. Research the film’s director, Mitchell Leisen, and his other works.
7. Explore the film’s place in the history of musicals and mysteries.
8. Compare “Murder At The Vanities” to other pre-code films of the era.
9. Consider the film’s impact and influence on future works.
10. Watch the film with subtitles to fully appreciate the witty dialogue and wordplay.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Stunning visuals and musical performances
• Intriguing murder mystery plot
• Fascinating cultural snapshot of the pre-code era
• Cult classic status

Cons:

• The film’s pre-code status may be off-putting to some viewers
• The dark and twisted plot may not be for everyone
• Some of the musical numbers may feel dated to modern audiences

My Personal Review and Suggestion

As someone who loves both musicals and mysteries, “Murder At The Vanities” was a perfect blend of genres for me. The film’s stunning visuals and intriguing plot kept me engaged from start to finish, and I found myself thinking about it long after it was over.

While the film may not be for everyone, I highly recommend it to those who appreciate unique and unconventional works of cinema. It is a true gem of the pre-code era, and its cult classic status is well-deserved.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: What is the pre-code era?

A: The pre-code era refers to the period in Hollywood history before the enforcement of the Motion Picture Production Code in 1934. During this time, films were able to depict more explicit content, including sex, violence, and taboo topics.

Q: Who directed “Murder At The Vanities”?

A: The film was directed by Mitchell Leisen, who also directed other notable works such as “Remember the Night” and “Midnight”.

Q: Is “Murder At The Vanities” a musical or a mystery?

A: It is both! The film combines elements of both genres to create a unique and unconventional work of cinema.

Q: Does “Murder At The Vanities” have any notable performances?

A: Yes, the film features performances by Carl Brisson, Victor McLaglen, and Kitty Carlisle, among others.