Any movie with Alastair Sim is a good movie and this one is notable for presenting Sim in a major role in his movie debut. Sim provides this murder mystery with much his usual characterization. True, he's inclined to be a bit over-emphatic in his delivery, but that's a fault displayed by the lead role's Basil Sydney as well. We also enjoyed the performance of Judy Gunn as the stop-at-nothing reporter. This was her third film and we would have thought she had a big career in front of her, but she retired in 1937 (presumably when she married Anthony Hue-Williams). By the humble standard of director Albert Parker, the movie is very competently made. In fact, Parker manages to juggle the many characters and set-pieces in Selwyn Jepson's adaptation of Andre Steeman's novel, "Six Dead Men", with reasonable competence and only misses two or three beats. This was actually the first of Steeman's many novels to be adapted to the screen. It wasn't until 1941 that another was attempted, and then in 1942 came the memorable, "The Murderer Lives at Number 21"! Available on a very good Alpha DVD.
18 Reviews
Somewhat stage-bound and over-complicated, but a good cast saves the day
JohnHowardReid3 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
"He's got a real case at last. And he deserves it"
hwg1957-102-26570414 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
A financier is shot in his library in his riverside home. His murder leads to the discovery of a pact between some men that involves lots of money. Soon the other members of the pact are also being murdered too. Inspector Philip Winton and Police Sgt. 'Mac' McKay investigate and bring the culprit to justice. They are hindered by a nosy reporter, Claire Haines. It's a lively mystery that fills its 64 minutes entertainingly. It's mainly confined to the riverside house itself but it isn't dull and the ending is quite tense.
Basil Sydney is fine as the calm and dedicated Winton and in his film debut Alastair Sim is good fun as Sgt, McKay. The cast of familiar faces give good support. I did find Judy Gunn rather irritating as the reporter but that's a matter of taste. The director Albert Parker has a cameo as a film director. Definitely worth a watch.
Basil Sydney is fine as the calm and dedicated Winton and in his film debut Alastair Sim is good fun as Sgt, McKay. The cast of familiar faces give good support. I did find Judy Gunn rather irritating as the reporter but that's a matter of taste. The director Albert Parker has a cameo as a film director. Definitely worth a watch.
Whodunnit!
rmax3048232 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
A handful of men are involved in a kind of pact, a multiple partnership, in which they've pooled some of their money to be divided later. If one dies, his part stays in the pool. Don't ask me for details. I understand that similar arrangements are common among the traditional Chinese but that's as far as I go.
A member of the pact is shot to death while feeding his canary. The inspector, Basil Sydney, and his sergeant, Alistair Sims, rush to the house and call the other pact members to gather there. Everyone is hectored by one of those ambitious and impudent young reporters looking for a scoop. In this instance it's Judy Gunn, a cute blond. One by one, the other pact members are shot at or picked off. Sydney is at his wit's end trying to keep up with the fast-moving events as shots ring out and people dash through doors.
It's all very talky and stagy. There appear to be about four sets. Of course, this is 1935. The British film industry isn't exactly prospering. (One scene takes place in a movie studio and the director is clearly an American.) And of course, budget limitations aside, no one expects elaborate computer-generated images, Squibbs, or other special effects.
Despite the rushing around, the result is a rather static film in which murders are unraveled in a routine way. Slow it all down, replace Basil Sydney and Alistair Sim with Sidney Toler and Key Luke, and you've got "Charlie Chan and the Secret Pact."
Yet it's not without its felicities. They're subtle but clever. Sydney is irritated at the constant distractions of Judy Gunn so he handcuffs her to a banister for a few minutes. As he's releasing her, she says, "You ARE taking me to dinner, aren't you?" Not a chance. "That's fine," she snaps. "You give a girl a bracelet and then won't take her to dinner. I'm compromised." Quick cut to the same couple smiling at one another over a cafeteria buffet. "How about a sweet?", asks Sydney. Well, I found it cute, given all the stale conversation. "Aye -- three murders." "And the answer to it all is somewhere in this house."
Alistair Sim does a good number on his Scottish accent. Keep an eye open for Tom Helmore. He was Kim Novak's murderous husband, Gavin Elster, in Hitchcock's "Vertigo."
A member of the pact is shot to death while feeding his canary. The inspector, Basil Sydney, and his sergeant, Alistair Sims, rush to the house and call the other pact members to gather there. Everyone is hectored by one of those ambitious and impudent young reporters looking for a scoop. In this instance it's Judy Gunn, a cute blond. One by one, the other pact members are shot at or picked off. Sydney is at his wit's end trying to keep up with the fast-moving events as shots ring out and people dash through doors.
It's all very talky and stagy. There appear to be about four sets. Of course, this is 1935. The British film industry isn't exactly prospering. (One scene takes place in a movie studio and the director is clearly an American.) And of course, budget limitations aside, no one expects elaborate computer-generated images, Squibbs, or other special effects.
Despite the rushing around, the result is a rather static film in which murders are unraveled in a routine way. Slow it all down, replace Basil Sydney and Alistair Sim with Sidney Toler and Key Luke, and you've got "Charlie Chan and the Secret Pact."
Yet it's not without its felicities. They're subtle but clever. Sydney is irritated at the constant distractions of Judy Gunn so he handcuffs her to a banister for a few minutes. As he's releasing her, she says, "You ARE taking me to dinner, aren't you?" Not a chance. "That's fine," she snaps. "You give a girl a bracelet and then won't take her to dinner. I'm compromised." Quick cut to the same couple smiling at one another over a cafeteria buffet. "How about a sweet?", asks Sydney. Well, I found it cute, given all the stale conversation. "Aye -- three murders." "And the answer to it all is somewhere in this house."
Alistair Sim does a good number on his Scottish accent. Keep an eye open for Tom Helmore. He was Kim Novak's murderous husband, Gavin Elster, in Hitchcock's "Vertigo."
British Whodunit
dougdoepke9 February 2020
A pushy reporter, an amusing cop, a diligent detective, and a murder with a house full of suspects. I guess Hollywood wasn't the only source of this popular 30's formula. Here It's the British and they do it up in engaging fashion. Seems a money pact was once agreed upon that would reward the four investors at a date that's about to expire. Maybe that's why some beneficiaries are suddenly getting mysteriously shot. So can Inspector Winton figure it out before the last survivor gets rewarded. But then wouldn't he have to be the killer! Stay tuned since it's a puzzling whodunit nicely thought out. And who is actress Gunn. Too bad her career was brief since her brassy reporter pretty much steals a film that does keep things moving. And, oh yes, actor Ian Fleming is unrelated to the James Bond impresario of the same name. (I was hoping otherwise.) All in all, it's a pretty good time-passer whose British accents didn't get in the way of my American ears.
Snappy British murder mystery
Leofwine_draca28 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
THE RIVERSIDE MURDER is one of those great little 'country house murder' films that Britain did so well in the 1930s. This one has a bloke shot by persons unknown while he's looking out of the window, leading detective Basil Sydney to investigate and choose from a variety of suspects. What's notable about this film is just how fast-paced it all is. The plot twists and murders stack up quickly, and quick-fire dialogue comes from a spiky female reporter on the case. Even Alistair Sim is present in his first-ever role, playing the Scottish comedy relief, while character actor regulars Ian Fleming (no relation) and Reginald Tate prop up the cast. It's great fun for fans of this era.
Pretty Gripping Mystery!!
kidboots30 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Even though director Albert Parker was born in Brooklyn, he made so many
trips to Britain most people thought of him as an eccentric Englishman. "The
Riverside Murder" was a film he directed over there while connected with
Fox London studios. Basil Sydney, a 1920's matinee idol, plays a Scotland
Yard detective called out to one of those country house murders, this time
the victim is Robert Norman, shot while giving Polly a cracker - but there is
more to it than meets the eye!! Norman has formed a pact with a few friends.
Years ago he steered them wrong financially but wanting to do the right
thing has organized for them all to receive shares of his will - but the pact
is due to expire at midnight!!
When one of the members, Jerome, arrives, he is a jittery bundle of nerves. He claims he was shot and now feels there is someone at large who wants to wipe all of them out!! I really liked this movie, Sydney was terrific as the urbane detective who was even given a romantic interest in bubbly reporter Judy Gunn (unfortunately she only made 12 movies and retired for marriage in 1937), her part is not intrusive enough to make her annoying!!
In fact Jerome is just about to reveal who he thinks it is when he is killed, then Gregg, another of the pact members, appears. Furtive as well, he too is killed. Suddenly the bright eyed reporter unearths the fact that Norman's son, thought to have died, is still very much alive and back in Britain...... the plot thickens......
Probably best known as Alistair Sim's debut but others are also noteworthy. Tom Helmore makes his presence felt as the hysterical Jerome (and sporting an odd tattoo that isn't even commented on!!). Character actor Ian Fleming as one of the pact members (he looks a lot like John Halliday)!!
Recommended.
When one of the members, Jerome, arrives, he is a jittery bundle of nerves. He claims he was shot and now feels there is someone at large who wants to wipe all of them out!! I really liked this movie, Sydney was terrific as the urbane detective who was even given a romantic interest in bubbly reporter Judy Gunn (unfortunately she only made 12 movies and retired for marriage in 1937), her part is not intrusive enough to make her annoying!!
In fact Jerome is just about to reveal who he thinks it is when he is killed, then Gregg, another of the pact members, appears. Furtive as well, he too is killed. Suddenly the bright eyed reporter unearths the fact that Norman's son, thought to have died, is still very much alive and back in Britain...... the plot thickens......
Probably best known as Alistair Sim's debut but others are also noteworthy. Tom Helmore makes his presence felt as the hysterical Jerome (and sporting an odd tattoo that isn't even commented on!!). Character actor Ian Fleming as one of the pact members (he looks a lot like John Halliday)!!
Recommended.
Think Ten Little Indians
bkoganbing11 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Basil Sydney and Alastair Sim play a pair of Scotland Yard detectives assigned to find the murderer of a rich man who is shot while looking out the window of his estate. A couple of more murders follow of some business partners and suspects get eliminated. Just like in Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians.
Reporter Judy Gunn is someone you'll have to decide whether she's more of a help than a hindrance to Sydney. He likes her well enough, but he's got a murder to solve. As for Gunn she's looking to trade up from gossip columnist to crime reporter on her newspaper.
It's a British Quota Quickie, their term for a B film and this could have come out of a studio like Monogram with the threadbare sets and skimpy plot though not lousy editing.
As for the mystery just think about who was the doer in Ten Little Indians and how it was done.
Reporter Judy Gunn is someone you'll have to decide whether she's more of a help than a hindrance to Sydney. He likes her well enough, but he's got a murder to solve. As for Gunn she's looking to trade up from gossip columnist to crime reporter on her newspaper.
It's a British Quota Quickie, their term for a B film and this could have come out of a studio like Monogram with the threadbare sets and skimpy plot though not lousy editing.
As for the mystery just think about who was the doer in Ten Little Indians and how it was done.
SIX HOMMES MORTS
profh-130 November 2021
THE RIVERSIDE MURDER
(Fox Film Company / UK / 1935)
6 down-on-their luck friends pool their money and agree to equally split any profits at the end of 5 years. As the deadline approaches, they begin to get murdered, one by one. Trying to solve the crimes are straight-laced Inspector Philip Winton, his rather eccentric Scottish sidekick Police Sgt. 'Mac' McKay, and pesky, ambitious newspaper reporter Claire Haines. At one point, one of the friends involved in the "pact" is shot in front of 2 witnesses, yet a moment later, the body has disappeared.
If all this sounds familiar, it's because it's basically the SAME story filmed just 2 years earlier in America as "A STUDY IN SCARLET". So many people are busy complaining that film has nothing to do with Arthur Conan Doyle's 1st Sherlock Holmes novel that they completely miss that it's really an uncredited SWIPE of Belgian writer Stanislas-André Steeman's 1931 detective novel "Six Hommes Morts", which IS listed in the opening credits of THIS film.
Having seen the 1933 film with Reginald Owen at least 4 times and enjoying it more each time, I decided to go looking for the other versions. "RIVERSIDE" is a very nicely-done, compact, and at times amusing early English murder mystery. I haven't read the source novel yet (it's in French, I wonder if it's ever been published in English-- or, ONLINE?). But, if I had to guess, I'd say this version, which is quite streamlined compared to the "Sherlock Holmes" version, is probably more authentic to the book.
I found it amazing to watch 2 drastically-different adaptations of the same story, but be able to clearly recognize certain elements that appeared in both films. One example was the girl witnessing a murder, where the body disappears right after it happens. Another is learning about an underground tunnel that connects to the house. Funny enough, a similar tunnel appeared in the 1929 German "HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES", though I'm pretty sure it never appeared in Doyle's novel.
I was only familiar with 2 actors in this. Sgt. McKay was Alistair Sim, who's perhaps best known for what is generally considered the best version of "A CHRISTMAS CAROL" ever made. He also played police inspectors in several films, including a favorite of mine, "GREEN FOR DANGER", which was like a World War 2-era version of "CHINA BEACH". It's his face on the DVD box.
One of the group targetted for murder, the most level-headed of them, Henry Sanders, was played by actor Ian Fleming, who I've seen as Dr. John Watson in 3 of the 4 available Arthur Wontner SHERLOCK HOLMES films.
The hero, Inspector Philip Winton, was played by Basil Sydney. He reminded me a bit of Claude Rains, or Kenneth More. But, it turns out, I had seen in him in 3 other films-- IVANHOE (1952), AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS (1956), and a real favorite of mine, THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE (1959), where he played "Lawyer Hawkins". I'll have to keep an eye out for him next time I watch that!
There are at least 2 more film adaptations of "Six Hommes Morts" (Six Dead Men), and I'm already planning to get the 3rd one very soon. After that, I may go looking for more films based on Stanislas-André Steeman's books.
People keep comparing this to Agatha Christie's "Ten Little Indians", but note, the victims in that did not know each other, there was NO detective on the scene, and, that was published in 1939. (heh)
6 down-on-their luck friends pool their money and agree to equally split any profits at the end of 5 years. As the deadline approaches, they begin to get murdered, one by one. Trying to solve the crimes are straight-laced Inspector Philip Winton, his rather eccentric Scottish sidekick Police Sgt. 'Mac' McKay, and pesky, ambitious newspaper reporter Claire Haines. At one point, one of the friends involved in the "pact" is shot in front of 2 witnesses, yet a moment later, the body has disappeared.
If all this sounds familiar, it's because it's basically the SAME story filmed just 2 years earlier in America as "A STUDY IN SCARLET". So many people are busy complaining that film has nothing to do with Arthur Conan Doyle's 1st Sherlock Holmes novel that they completely miss that it's really an uncredited SWIPE of Belgian writer Stanislas-André Steeman's 1931 detective novel "Six Hommes Morts", which IS listed in the opening credits of THIS film.
Having seen the 1933 film with Reginald Owen at least 4 times and enjoying it more each time, I decided to go looking for the other versions. "RIVERSIDE" is a very nicely-done, compact, and at times amusing early English murder mystery. I haven't read the source novel yet (it's in French, I wonder if it's ever been published in English-- or, ONLINE?). But, if I had to guess, I'd say this version, which is quite streamlined compared to the "Sherlock Holmes" version, is probably more authentic to the book.
I found it amazing to watch 2 drastically-different adaptations of the same story, but be able to clearly recognize certain elements that appeared in both films. One example was the girl witnessing a murder, where the body disappears right after it happens. Another is learning about an underground tunnel that connects to the house. Funny enough, a similar tunnel appeared in the 1929 German "HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES", though I'm pretty sure it never appeared in Doyle's novel.
I was only familiar with 2 actors in this. Sgt. McKay was Alistair Sim, who's perhaps best known for what is generally considered the best version of "A CHRISTMAS CAROL" ever made. He also played police inspectors in several films, including a favorite of mine, "GREEN FOR DANGER", which was like a World War 2-era version of "CHINA BEACH". It's his face on the DVD box.
One of the group targetted for murder, the most level-headed of them, Henry Sanders, was played by actor Ian Fleming, who I've seen as Dr. John Watson in 3 of the 4 available Arthur Wontner SHERLOCK HOLMES films.
The hero, Inspector Philip Winton, was played by Basil Sydney. He reminded me a bit of Claude Rains, or Kenneth More. But, it turns out, I had seen in him in 3 other films-- IVANHOE (1952), AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS (1956), and a real favorite of mine, THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE (1959), where he played "Lawyer Hawkins". I'll have to keep an eye out for him next time I watch that!
There are at least 2 more film adaptations of "Six Hommes Morts" (Six Dead Men), and I'm already planning to get the 3rd one very soon. After that, I may go looking for more films based on Stanislas-André Steeman's books.
People keep comparing this to Agatha Christie's "Ten Little Indians", but note, the victims in that did not know each other, there was NO detective on the scene, and, that was published in 1939. (heh)
Filled with clichés but not bad
planktonrules21 February 2011
Warning: Spoilers
"The Riverside Murder" is an adequate old murder mystery. However, it has little to offer that's unique--I sure recognized many of the plot elements--some of which preceded and many that came after this film. To put it bluntly, much of it seemed a bit clichéd. For example, when I man says "I know who's responsible and I'll tell you..." as the man opens the window, he is instantly shot!! This must have been done in a few billion other mystery films. Another is the very plucky female reporter who is quite nosy and annoying--much like the later character, Lois Lane--and also a bazillion other characters in films! Finally, the supposedly dead family member who turns out to be one of the killers is certainly no surprise as well. Yes, it's terribly clichéd--but also reasonable well made and worth seeing if your standards aren't especially high!
Quaint QQ
Lucy-Lastic9 May 2011
Well, you've had two US reviews for this TOTALLY British "QQ" film, so here is my take UK on it.
If you want to be whisked back to a darkened, smoky, smelly, flea-pit pre-war cinema, watching a second feature 'B' movie then this is ideal!!
Plot is quite good and offers a reasonable ending although you will need to make up your own 'red-herrings' as they are thin on the ground, so that when "all" is explained you sit there thinking but...............
The only reason my wife and I wanted to watch this is for Alastair Sim. (I'm doing a personal 'season' of his films at the moment and have just finished reading his bio.) He is the undoubted (debut?) star and about the only person in the film who you could say knew how to act. A couple of the bit part actors were quite good BUT Basil Sydney oh, dear. That stilted delivery, AND those long pauses were verging on comical. I really am surprised that he went on to be in other films right up into the late 60s shortly before he died, whereas Judy Gunn only carried on in films for another two years. She certainly out-acted Basil Sydney.
Yes, quaint.
If you want to be whisked back to a darkened, smoky, smelly, flea-pit pre-war cinema, watching a second feature 'B' movie then this is ideal!!
Plot is quite good and offers a reasonable ending although you will need to make up your own 'red-herrings' as they are thin on the ground, so that when "all" is explained you sit there thinking but...............
The only reason my wife and I wanted to watch this is for Alastair Sim. (I'm doing a personal 'season' of his films at the moment and have just finished reading his bio.) He is the undoubted (debut?) star and about the only person in the film who you could say knew how to act. A couple of the bit part actors were quite good BUT Basil Sydney oh, dear. That stilted delivery, AND those long pauses were verging on comical. I really am surprised that he went on to be in other films right up into the late 60s shortly before he died, whereas Judy Gunn only carried on in films for another two years. She certainly out-acted Basil Sydney.
Yes, quaint.
Alastair Sim is the best thing this movie has going for it
bensonmum24 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
A wealthy man is murdered in his study. Four of his business associates are immediately suspected. But one-by-one, they are also killed off. With his suspect pool disappearing, Inspector Phillip Winton (Basil Sydney) must act quickly to find a murderer.
I've got to agree with the other reviewers, The Riverside Murder plays a bit like a poor version of Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians. If you know that ahead of time as I did, the murderer is pretty easy to spot. Overall, the acting is below average. Basil Sydney in the lead role is the worst offender. He's just not very interesting. Judy Gunn as reporter and love interest Claire Haines may be annoying, but why she would fall for a dud like Winton is beyond me. The rest of the cast is fairly nondescript and unmemorable. The lone exception is Alastair Sim. He seems to be the only one of the bunch that has any idea about how to make a character interesting. With uninspired sets, static camera work, ridiculous plot holes, and poor pacing, there's really not much to recommend. I've been generous with my 4/10.
Until I read the reviews for this movie, I had never heard of a Quota Quickie or a QQ. Love that term!
I've got to agree with the other reviewers, The Riverside Murder plays a bit like a poor version of Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians. If you know that ahead of time as I did, the murderer is pretty easy to spot. Overall, the acting is below average. Basil Sydney in the lead role is the worst offender. He's just not very interesting. Judy Gunn as reporter and love interest Claire Haines may be annoying, but why she would fall for a dud like Winton is beyond me. The rest of the cast is fairly nondescript and unmemorable. The lone exception is Alastair Sim. He seems to be the only one of the bunch that has any idea about how to make a character interesting. With uninspired sets, static camera work, ridiculous plot holes, and poor pacing, there's really not much to recommend. I've been generous with my 4/10.
Until I read the reviews for this movie, I had never heard of a Quota Quickie or a QQ. Love that term!
Really good murder mystery that has the sort of characters and dialog that would make the film worth seeing even if the mystery wasn't as good as it is
dbborroughs13 July 2006
A rich man is killed in his home. There appears to be no reason for the murder, however there are several suspects: the house keeper, two house guests and a mysterious woman who left just before the murder. The Police dispatch two detectives to take charge of the case and it soon transpires that there is ample reason for numerous people to bump off the dead man.
This is one of those mystery movies that you'd watch even if the mystery wasn't good simply because the characters are so much fun to watch. The detectives in this case are Basil Sydney and Alastair Sim and they make a fine team. Sydney is a charming detective with a slightly smart ass style. Watch how he deals with the small child who's lost his mother, its very funny. Sim is his second and is typically a bit of a bumbler, but nicely he is not a complete idiot. Mistakes are made but more often then not they are honest ones.
The mystery is a good one with the murder having no apparent motive, then suddenly taking on a motive and then turning and twisting as suspects come and go. The plot moves rapidly and we actually get a decent reason why everyone is cooped up in the house where the murder takes place, the side trips outside the crime scenes confines are also logical. I'm also pretty sure that the movie plays fair with the solution, or at least mostly fair (I'm not quite sure because I was tired when I watched this and may have missed something.) This is a grand little movie that seems to have been unjustly lost to the ages. Its a sterling little mystery thats almost in an Agatha Christie sort of way, which isn't surprising since the film is based on a mystery novel of Christie's heyday. This is a movie to search out and find. Its a movie that belongs in your video player while you have a bag of popcorn and a soda.
8 out of 10.
This is one of those mystery movies that you'd watch even if the mystery wasn't good simply because the characters are so much fun to watch. The detectives in this case are Basil Sydney and Alastair Sim and they make a fine team. Sydney is a charming detective with a slightly smart ass style. Watch how he deals with the small child who's lost his mother, its very funny. Sim is his second and is typically a bit of a bumbler, but nicely he is not a complete idiot. Mistakes are made but more often then not they are honest ones.
The mystery is a good one with the murder having no apparent motive, then suddenly taking on a motive and then turning and twisting as suspects come and go. The plot moves rapidly and we actually get a decent reason why everyone is cooped up in the house where the murder takes place, the side trips outside the crime scenes confines are also logical. I'm also pretty sure that the movie plays fair with the solution, or at least mostly fair (I'm not quite sure because I was tired when I watched this and may have missed something.) This is a grand little movie that seems to have been unjustly lost to the ages. Its a sterling little mystery thats almost in an Agatha Christie sort of way, which isn't surprising since the film is based on a mystery novel of Christie's heyday. This is a movie to search out and find. Its a movie that belongs in your video player while you have a bag of popcorn and a soda.
8 out of 10.
Alastair Sim (1900-1976) film debut
Bernie44441 April 2024
THE RIVERSIDE MURDER (1935) starts with a bang as Robert Norman (Aubrey Mallalieu) is dispatched in the study with the revolver.
This is the first big case for Inspector Philip Winton's (Basil Sydney) first big case he is assisted by Police Sgt. 'Mac' McKay (Alastair Sim). Everyone is being dogged by armature reporter Claire Haines (Judy Gunn.)
Turn out it is the standard tontine mystery. So, more participants may be dispatched.
Too many explanations and of course the murderer probably pops out of the closest at the last minute. Why do we not get all the information during the movie?
Because there is no butler, I assume it is the housekeeper.
This is the first big case for Inspector Philip Winton's (Basil Sydney) first big case he is assisted by Police Sgt. 'Mac' McKay (Alastair Sim). Everyone is being dogged by armature reporter Claire Haines (Judy Gunn.)
Turn out it is the standard tontine mystery. So, more participants may be dispatched.
Too many explanations and of course the murderer probably pops out of the closest at the last minute. Why do we not get all the information during the movie?
Because there is no butler, I assume it is the housekeeper.
ticks the usual boxes
malcolmgsw24 August 2017
This a Standard quota quickie with all the usual clichés.Basil Sydney,for once playing a detective,has to find a serial murderer,with the help of the comedy sidekick,played as so often,by Alistair Sim,and hindered by a female reporter.Now as is often the case,there is a totally unlikely plot contrivance which makes it impossible to work out who is the killer.Reasonable of its type.
"Greg's A Queer Fish! Always Has Been!"...
azathothpwiggins18 May 2021
THE RIVERSIDE MURDER opens with a murder committed by an unknown assailant. Inspector Philip Winton (Basil Sydney) and Sgt. Mac McKay (Alister Sim) are quickly on the case, questioning witnesses and running down clues.
There's also an ambitious reporter named Claire Haines (Judy Gunn) who is interested in getting the scoop.
There's a growing list of suspects, all standing to gain financially from the victim.
If that's not enough, more murders occur! Complicating matters, Winton only has a small timeframe in which to solve the crimes.
This is a very enjoyable crime drama / mystery with a satisfying conclusion...
There's also an ambitious reporter named Claire Haines (Judy Gunn) who is interested in getting the scoop.
There's a growing list of suspects, all standing to gain financially from the victim.
If that's not enough, more murders occur! Complicating matters, Winton only has a small timeframe in which to solve the crimes.
This is a very enjoyable crime drama / mystery with a satisfying conclusion...
brit who-dunnit. kind of.
ksf-29 February 2024
Someone gets shot right at the very beginning of the picture! And for the rest of the film, the coppers try to find the method and the killer. The victim was involved in an agreement which may be related to the murder. Many suspects. Also a meddling reporter. The very first role for the tall, thin, eerie alastair sim (from christmas carol). He's only 35 here, so he's not very old or creepy yet. But has a whole lot of lines, for a first role! It's pretty good. Everyone has an alibi, and we're not really sure who to believe. Some scenes are quite predictable. SO much talking. It feels like this one started out as a play. It's pretty good. Even if the resolution was kind of a last minute creation. Although the murderer really could have been anyone they chose, when we have reached the end. The story was kind of cheesy, but a fun one to watch. Directed by al parker. He started in the silent films, but this is the first film of his I had seen.
Dreadful
richardchatten27 January 2018
A good cast act badly in this parodic quota quickie in which three people are murdered yet never engages the interest - except possibly exasperation that nobody ever throttles the infuriating blonde reporter Judy Gunn is saddled with playing. Her final scene with detective Basil Sydney is so contrived you'll want to throw things at the screen.
The direction and photography are okay.
The direction and photography are okay.
Don't open the door! There's an armed gun on the other side!
mark.waltz16 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
What starts off interesting ends up convoluted and off-topic in this murder mystery inside a big mansion that claims more than just the initial victim, shot while feeding his bird. Plot twists run rampant involving a reporter fired while trying to get the scoop, commence identification of murder victims and a bunch of surprises that are more eye-rolling than intriguing. This creaky British quota quickie suffers from slow-moving editing and static photography what improves great Leaf When the terrific Alastair Sim shows up as one of the detectives. With a thick brogue, Sim is commanding and much more interesting than any of the other actors. it doesn't help that the entire action takes place inside The comedy otherwise is forced and most characters uninteresting. usually when murders are solved in a film, there's a relief to know that justice has been served, but here, it's just a relief to know that the film is over.
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