Murder by Television | 1935 | Mystery | Thriller | Crime

Murder by Television (1935) A groundbreaking television broadcast turns deadly when its inventor is mysteriously murdered, leading to a tangled web of corporate espionage and scientific intrigue. Director: Clifford Sanforth Screenplay by: Joseph O'Donnell Produced by: Harry Joe Brown Starring: Bela Lugosi as Dr. Arthur Perry / Edwin Perry June Collyer as June Houghland Huntley Gordon as Dr. Henry M. Scofield George Meeker as Richard Grayson Henry Mowbray as Chief of Police Nelson Charles Hill Mailes as Prof. James Houghland Claire McDowell as Mrs. Houghland Hattie McDaniel as Isabella - the Cook Allen Jung as Ah Ling - the Houseboy Charles K. French as Donald M. Jordan Billy Sullivan as Attacked Night Watchman Production Company: Cameo Pictures Corp. Distributed by: Imperial Distributing Corp. Release Date: October 1, 1935 Runtime: Approximately 55 minutes Country: United States Language: English Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime ------------------------------------------------------------ Synopsis: - Professor James Houghland, a brilliant scientist, has developed a revolutionary method for transmitting television signals instantly across the world. - Refusing to sell his invention to powerful corporations, he becomes the target of industrial spies and ruthless competitors. - On the night of his first live demonstration, Houghland is mysteriously murdered in front of his guests, leaving investigators baffled. - Police Chief Nelson must sift through a long list of suspects, including Houghland’s assistant, a corporate spy, and a mysterious intruder who keeps trying to enter the mansion. - As the investigation unfolds, shocking revelations emerge, including a secret twin brother and a hidden scientific method used to commit the crime. ------------------------------------------------------------ Key Themes & Highlights: - Scientific Innovation vs. Corporate Greed: The film explores the tension between groundbreaking discoveries and the ruthless business world that seeks to control them. - Locked-Room Mystery: The murder occurs in a seemingly impossible scenario, challenging investigators to uncover the truth. - Bela Lugosi’s Dual Role: Lugosi plays both Dr. Arthur Perry and his twin brother Edwin Perry, adding an intriguing twist to the story. - Early Depictions of Television Technology: The film features experimental television equipment borrowed from real researchers, showcasing the era’s fascination with emerging technology. - Noir-Style Suspense: The shadowy cinematography and tense atmosphere reflect the growing influence of film noir in the 1930s. ------------------------------------------------------------ Trivia: - Alternate Title: The film was also released under the name *The Houghland Murder Case*. - Hattie McDaniel’s Early Role: Before her Oscar-winning performance in *Gone with the Wind*, McDaniel played Isabella, the cook, in this film. - Real Television Equipment Used: The filmmakers borrowed $75,000 worth of experimental television equipment—more than twice the film’s budget—to create realistic scenes. - Public Domain Status: The film has entered the public domain, making it widely available for viewing and restoration efforts. - Unique Murder Method: The film’s murder weapon is a scientific device, making it one of the earliest examples of technology-driven crime in cinema. ------------------------------------------------------------ Hashtags: #MurderByTelevision #1935Mystery #BelaLugosi #ClassicHollywood #PublicDomainFilm #EarlySciFiMystery #MonogramPictures #LockedRoomMystery #CrimeThriller #GoldenAgeCinema