There is only one reason to watch this film: Eddie Boland as Freddie. And possibly for Gertrude (Marjorie Beebe), Freddie's wise cracking wife.
I caught this on YouTube (Hastings Mystery Theater) and watched out of curiosity as the host Randall Scheafer discussed Big Four Productions. The major studios had bought up most theaters in insure their pictures would be seen. But the independent theater owners still needed films. Small production produced films on the cheap: spend a lot less on sets and extras and anything else you could cut. That's how a picture like Murder at Dawn gets made. And if you watch, you can "clearly" see the result.
There is an amusing exchange between the four stars and George Reed ( a fine African-American actor) that relies on stereotypes, but you can't deny Reed's comedic timing.
The plot is as silly as the opening screen credits: a "mad" scientist creates a power source that could provide free electricity to the "wage slaves," but faces a foe bent on stealing his invention. The twist is the heroine, her fiancé, and friends are going to see the scientist because he is the heroine's father and she wants his blessing. Forget the plot, everything will eventually work out. But the banter between Freddie and Gertrude is blistering. And Freddie solo screens as he tipples his way along provide some terrific laughs, or at least chuckles.