Night Must Fall

Plot synopsis:
Mrs. Bramson (Dame May Whitty) is an irascible elderly woman who holds court in a small English village. She pretends to need a wheelchair, and impulsively threatens to fire her maid, Dora (Merle Tottenham), for allegedly stealing and breaking china. Meanwhile, the household learns that the police have searched a nearby river looking for the missing villager, Mrs. Shellbrook. Dora then introduces her Irish boyfriend, Danny (Robert Montgomery), who works for Mrs. Shellbrook. Perceiving that Mrs. Bramson is a hypochondriac who only affects her need for a wheelchair, Danny is charming toward her and says that she reminds him of his mother. He tells Mrs. Bramson that he loves Dora and would marry her if he had a better job. Mrs. Bramson obliges and he becomes her servant.
Mrs. Bramson's niece and companion, Olivia Grayne (Rosalind Russell), is suspicious of Danny, but Mrs. Bramson dismisses her concerns. When Mrs. Bramson's attorney, Justin Laurie (Alan Marshal), arrives to give his client money, he warns her not to keep so much cash in her possession; but she dismisses his concerns, as well. Meanwhile, Justin, who is in love with Olivia, asks her to marry him, but she refuses because their relationship lacks any true romance. Justin leaves feeling dejected, and Danny sees Mrs. Bramson putting the cash into her safe. Olivia's concerns are heightened when she catches Danny lying to Mrs. Bramson about a shawl that allegedly belonged to his mother, noticing that the price tag is still on the shawl. Still, Olivia cannot help being attracted to Danny.
Dora discovers Mrs. Shellbrook's decapitated body in the forest. Though Olivia accuses Danny of the murder, he denies it. Again, Mrs. Bramson dismisses her niece's concerns because she has grown very fond of Danny. The rest of the household does not feel comfortable being in the house while a killer is at large, but Mrs. Bramson feels safe enough to stay with Danny. Later that night, Mrs. Bramson hears noises and becomes frightened. When she screams for Danny, he comes in and calms her down by giving her something to drink and lulling her to sleep. Danny then suffocates her to death and empties the safe.
Olivia arrives unexpectedly and admits to Danny that she was attracted to him in the past, but no longer. He references his poor childhood and being looked down upon being a servant, and threatens to kill her, too, so that no one can incriminate him in Mrs. Bramson's murder. Olivia said she understands if he kills her, but she wanted him to know that she is no longer drawn to him. But just then the police arrive, called by Justin when he could not reach Olivia by phone, and arrest Danny. As he leaves, Danny says, "I'll hang in the end, but they'll get their money's worth at the trial." Finally, Justin and Olivia embrace.

Tags: murder

Review:
Dame May Whitty also gives an excellent performance as the abrasive but gullible and neurotic Mrs. Bramson.A good movie doesn't have to have a lot of action and chase scenes.
Roz Russell, in plain-Jane getups, plays a definite third wheel to Robert Montgomery's charming psycho and Dame May Whitty's steely but dependent old battleaxe.
Whitty walks away with the movie even though wheelchair-bound;  she's amusingly annoying and in almost every scene, but at the end, when panic strikes her and she skitters off into hysteria, she shows what a great old trouper she was -- almost the British version of Marie Dressler.
Russell plays the penniless and somewhat dowdy niece of crotchety, cranky Witty, a wealthy, feisty old woman confined to a wheelchair (possibly by her own hypochondria!) When one of the maids of the house is made pregnant, Witty interviews the guilty party (Montgomery) in order to scold him and pressure him into marrying the wayward girl, but instead is charmed to the point of hiring him on as an assistant and care-giver to herself.
Incidentally, in certain scenes and in some long shots, he resembles Jude Law (even on the video cover.) Witty is magnificent in her role as the bitter, lonely old woman whose ice is melted by the new surrogate son in her life.
The remainder of the cast is solid and helpful to the ambiance with the possible exception of Russell's rather gooey love interest Marshal (though there isn't much he could have done with that part.) Definitely showing its age and its stage roots, (and clocking in a bit too lengthily) the film is nonetheless entertaining and intriguing for the most part.
Interestingly, Montgomery's career as a leading man was not affected by this dark role, yet a couple of years later Cary Grant was prevented from playing one that was far less deranged in "Suspicion" (thus rendering that film's storyline somewhat ridiculous.) Montgomery even scored an Oscar nomination.
It's interesting to wonder whether Grant could have gotten one if his character weren't toyed with and how his career path may have changed if he had played the darker aspects (but he could hardly complain about his film success!).
This film is intelligent in every respect and requires the viewer to watch with his/her brain switched "ON." "Night Must Fall" is the epitome of an intelligent horror film.The first time I saw this film I was initially and completely mesmerized by Robert Montgomery's performance.
I always enjoyed his films, but after seeing "Night Must Fall" I began to pay attention to his acting in other films and developed a greater appreciation for his skill as an actor.Rosalind Russell is a talented, gorgeous actor/wit/comedienne, and is able to fully-utilize her skill in her role.
Following a grisly murder, a pushy stranger worms his way into a rich, old lady's remote household, much to disapproval of her uptight secretary.What a good touch when Danny (Montgomery) roughly shoves the house cat and then smilingly tells Mrs. Bramson (Witty) how much he likes the little four-footed critters—a neat introduction to his devious nature.
Now, the movie's key scene is in the kitchen where Danny boldly confronts Olivia's repressed attraction.
Still and all, the idea of Danny's acting out for the benefit of his "double"— the one that emerges in the mirror scene at the end-- remains a provocative one.Where Danny's blustery, overdone charm really works is with tyrannical old Mrs. Bramson.
At the same time, Witty steals the film with a rock solid performance, especially during that exhausting breakdown scene that even had me gasping for breath.
I watched it the other night on Turner Movie Classics.Robert Montgomery is amazing in this role.
He is totally immersed in this role.Rosalind Russell is not that impressive until about the middle of the movie.Her unwilling attraction to Babyface finally makes sense.The other great performance was by Dame May Witty.
"Night Must Fall," which was originally a play by Emlyn Williams, contains three fantastic roles for actors, and as a film, it has been beautifully cast, directed (by Richard Thorpe), and photographed.
What transpires is an intriguing mystery and psychological drama.Robert Montgomery was a wonderful actor, adept at many kinds of roles but most often cast in the light comedies so often made in the '30s.
Russell gives a beautiful, underplayed performance as an unhappy young woman, dating a man she's not sure she loves, attracted to this stranger and to the possibility of something interesting happening to her.
Witty reverse morality story of an obnoxious old woman (Whitty) who takes in a lodger/servant to help her (and to spite her live-in niece, Russell, who doesn't know her aunt is leaving her $100 in her rich estate).
Somewhat forgotten, uniquely entertaining "thriller" about the happenings of an old English cottage when news of a missing then discovered murdered woman surrounds household.
She takes orders from the wonderful Dame May Witty giving a grand performance as an imperious woman in a wheelchair trying to clutch on to anything in her life that will still give it meaning.
Her household is visited upon by a young man that has been seeing one of the servant girls - Robert Montgomery - and he manages through his "charm" to worm his way into her home.
Russell is very good, and Montgomery gives what might be his best performance.
His light Cockney-like accent is believable, and although I found his character despicable from the very beginning - that credit for making what many perceived as a charming local initially affable and then later very detestable is a credit to Montgomery's acting craft.
Robert Montgomery, (Danny 'Babyface'), "Lady in the Lake",'47, played a rather strange fellow who became quite involved with Rosalind Russell,(Olivia Grayne), "Wonderful Town", '58 who lived with her Aunt, Dame May Witty, (Mrs. Bramson), "The White Cliffs of Dover",'44.
The movie opened up the one-set play a bit, which helped vary the surroundings, but it still felt like a filmed play.
The two saving graces were in the performances of Oscar nominees Dame May Whitty and Robert Montgomery, both a pleasure to watch.
And, because of all the very serious plot problems, I am amazed so many people saw this as a perfect or near-perfect film with many reviews giving it a 9 or 10.What I liked, at least initially, was Robert Montgomery's characterization.
Likewise, at times the atmosphere of the film was very dark and foreboding--it really set you on edge.However, there was so much to dislike if you actually paid attention to the characters.
As it is, it just seemed stupid.Other things to dislike is Montgomery's performance late in the film where he transforms from smart and evil to silly--like a kid in a high school play trying to pretend to be crazy!
What makes him so good is that during the film you know he's bad but he doesn't come off that way.
It may have flopped at the box office for several reasons but certainly not for lack of quality: the acting is superb (the US actors actually making an effort to sound British alongside national British treasures like Dame May Witty, Kathleen Harrison and E.E. Clive), the pacing is vivid and the dynamic music score (by the almost forgotten Edward Ward) was nothing if not prophetic of things to come.
In an English village, roguishly Irish Robert Montgomery (as Danny) worms his way into the household of wealthy hypochondriac May Witty (as Mrs. Bramson).
Witty's beautiful straight-laced niece, Rosalind Russell (as Olivia Grayne), suspects Montgomery is the killer, and wonders if Witty is next.
Yet, Ms. Russell is strangely attracted to Montgomery, even more than handsome lawyer Alan Marshal (as Justin Laurie)."Night Must Fall" entertains greatly due to the Oscar-nominated "Best Actor" performance from Montgomery; he didn't get many roles like this one, but sure knew what to do with it when he had one.
At the time, Montgomery served as a romantic attachment to MGM's female leads; here, he shows he can carry a film with the best of them.
The film made several year-end honor rolls, topping the "National Board of Review" as "Best Picture" of 1937.******** Night Must Fall (4/30/37) Richard Thorpe ~ Robert Montgomery, May Witty, Rosalind Russell, Alan Marshal.
Mayer for this role.Montgomery got great critical acclaim, deservedly so for playing the homicidal and charming Danny who carries a souvenir trophy of one of his earlier kills in a hat box.
He worms his way into the household of Dame May Witty whose current companion, niece Rosalind Russell is getting irritated with the crotchety old biddy.
Dame May Witty who did the old lady part in London, New York and now Hollywood got an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, but lost to Alice Brady for In Old Chicago.The other Oscar nod for this film went to Robert Montgomery.
Rosalind Russell is wonderful playing a demure, somewhat repressed secretary, working for her crotchety old auntie in a country estate, who suspects the charming Irish houseboy of being a killer; worse still, her odd attraction to the man stops her from alerting the police.
ROSALIND RUSSELL plays a low-key role in this tepid "thriller" based on a stage play and showing its stage origins from beginning to end.ROBERT MONTGOMERY is the nominal star with the central role of a deceptive serial killer who charms his way into a household run by crotchety DAME MAY WHITTY, superb as a wheelchair bound old woman.
Robert Montgomery plays the killer, May Whitty the wretched old lady who befriends him, and Rosalind Russell, frumped up to resemble a bookish school marm, the one who's got his number.
The suspense isn't of the "did he or didn't he?" variety, since we know early on that he did, but rather in seeing whether or not Russell's character, who both wants to see him get his and is enticed by the sexy danger he arouses, will end up being his accomplice or executioner.Montgomery received a Best Actor Academy Award nomination and Whitty was nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category.
Probably one of Rosalind Russell earliest roles finds her suspecting Robert Montgomery's cheery psychopath to the contrary of everyone else.
Robert Montgomery's great performance illuminates film.
Now to the movie, I've only seen it once, so I don't know how qualified I am to speak on it, but I do know that Robert Montgomery's performance as a psychotic killer is one of the all time greats in the category, certainly the equal in its sinister qualities to the better performances along these lines of actors like Lon Chaney, Robert Ryan, and Anthony Hopkins.
Yes, it is basically a filmed stage play, not really opened out, but the performances of the 3 leads are so magnificent, it doesn't really matter.Dame May Whitty plays a woman you love to hate very well in this one.
Mrs. Bramson, her character, is so nasty, smug and self-satisfied, that you can't help but cheer when Bob Montgomery's Danny smothers her  good show!
-- Impressive!What can I say about Robert Montgomery's performance, except that I thought it was fantastic, and such a large step away from many of his roles, especially up to that point.
As good as Montgomery was in comedy, I would love to have seen him in more roles similar to this (as in The Big House and A Rage in Heaven).Rosalind Russell was the perfect choice for the role of Olivia Grayne, Whitty's niece, as we see her blossom from a backward, repressed, shy woman into a more self-assured, no-nonsenser unafraid to speak her mind by the movie's end -- both types of roles that Russell has always been able to pull off with ease.The lengthly scene in the kitchen between Danny and Olivia (the actors make a good pair) is very sexy, yet does not even contain a single kiss.
Olivia Grayne (Rosalind Russell), a prim-looking, bespectacled young woman in tweed skirts, twinsets, and sensible shoes, lives in a country house with her crabby aunt Mrs. Bramson (Dame May Witty) and suffers the indignity of being treated like a servant while employed as her aunt's companion.
Into their lives comes Danny (Robert Montgomery), a strutting Irish charmer whose silver tongue so enchants the old lady, she offers him a job.
It doesn't quite hold up to thriller standards by today's viewpoint but still atmospheric, and the set design is beautiful and the performances, especially Montgomery's, are well worth seeing.
If all you know of him is the fluffy romantic movies where he waltzed around pretty women and said things like, "I love you, and you love me too, admit it," do see him acting quite differently in this film..
I have seen this film a couple of times, if only for the sinister, multi-faceted performance of Robert Montgomery (Elizabeth's father), but, as someone previously noted, it is an old play and it certainly creaks from time to time.
Rosalind Russell is a prim, bookish young woman staying with Dame May Witty, her petulant, wheelchair-bound aunt.
Robert Montgomery appears on the scene as Danny, an Irish dandy who is dating one of the old lady's maids.
Due to some problem with the heads of MGM, Montgomery was given the role of "Danny" in NIGHT MUST FALL as punishment.
However, after 1937 Montgomery had a better selection of different roles in his career.NIGHT MUST FALL was a play about a small household in an English village, made up of Mrs. Bramson (Dame May Witty), her niece/secretary/punching bag Olivia (Roselind Russell), Emily the Cook (Kathleen Harrison), and Dora the Maid (Merle Tottingham).
The sharp tongued and harsh old lady finds herself liking the young man, and he is hired to work in the cottage.It's just as well for Danny.
But before they can check a mysterious large hat-box Danny brought with him, he silently enters the room and confronts them.The film has an excellent atmosphere due to it's concentration (except in a handful of scenes) on the rooms of the cottage.
Witty is wonderful as an apparently wheelchair bound old woman who has little warmth in her toward her niece (we later learn she hated Olivia's mother), and is only interested in her own comfort.
Russell plays Olivia as nearly neurotic - used to being her aunt's servant and punching bag, yet civil and trying to be of use and of warning the old lady.
Whether Williams used them or not, he created a great acting part in "Danny", and a wonderful melodrama in NIGHT MUST FALL..
About the same time, an itinerant young man shows up, charms the crotchety old lady who runs the household, as well as most of her staff, with the sole exception of her dedicated personal assistant, who is also her niece and who can't stand her.
A charming, handsome handyman (Robert Montgomery) wheedles his way into the home of a wealthy old woman (Dame May Witty).
Her niece (Rosalind Russell) is suspicious of him and eventually pieces together that he is a murderer the police are looking for.
Entertaining thriller with a standout performance from Robert Montgomery, who clearly has fun with his part.
Her character does a few things that are hard to explain, such as covering for Montgomery even though she knows he's got a severed head in a hatbox!
Living in very violent times when there seems to be an epidemic of psychopaths from every direction, I am especially impressed by Robert Montgomery's complex portrayal of Danny, a manipulating con artist with a psychological condition that is, under the circumstances, believably complicated and unpredictable.
With the exception of the World War II drama "They Were Expendable", many of Montgomery's films unfortunately never allowed him the opportunity to demonstrate his true skill as an actor as this one did.To a slightly lesser extent, the same holds true for Rosalind Russell here, who brings intricacy to the role of Olivia, another complex character, as she is simultaneously attracted to Danny while she also loathes him.
The niece probably felt the same way and may in fact have facilitated the final outcome as at least one other IMDb reviewer believes.Richard Thorpe, as director, and Edward Ward, as musical composer, accumulated hundreds of film credits to their names, and their extensive movie experience combined to produce excellent results here .
Always a great set-up for a slasher movie.Then Robert Montgomery shows up.
He's loaded with this fey charm and it's easy for him to worm his way into the brutal old lady's graces so that, after some initial protests, she happily hires him as something between a personal attendant and a son.It isn't as though Robert Montgomery didn't have problems, though.
Impressive character study of Robert Montgomery's role as the servant Danny.
His audience for the most part consists of the old lady and her niece Olivia (Rosalind Russell).
Olivia's character could've been fleshed out more to take some of the focus off Danny.I agree with those who note the pleasing look of the film--both interiors of the house, and the woodsy surroundings (sometimes aptly foggy) Actually, I expected some dark-and-stormy-nights.
Robert Montgomery (Danny), Rosalind Russell (Olivia), Dame May Witty (Mrs Bramson), Alan Marshal (Justin Laurie), Kathleen Harrison (Mrs Terence), Eily Malyon (nurse), Matthew Boulton (inspector), E.E. Clive (guide), Merle Tottenham (Dora).Director: RICHARD THORPE.
Just before Danny showed up a local woman Mrs.Shellbrook ended up missing in the woods and was feared to have been murdered by a escaped psycho from a nearby mental institution.
It seemed that the only person who suspected Danny of being the murderer was Mrs. Barmson's niece Olivia Grayne, Rosaland Russell, who like her aunt and boss Mrs. Bramson fell under Danny's spell.Danny for his part kept on pushing his luck in his relationship with Mrs. Bramson is getting in real tight with the wheelchair ridden old lady where she soon looked upon him as her new found friend sweet Danny the Sailor Boy. Even though it later turned out that Danny's wasn't a sailor at all but in fact a butcher in how he treated his victim, Mrs. Shellbrook, or later victims.