A Shriek in the Night (1933): An Oldie But a Goodie
Alright folks, gather ‘round. Today we’re talking about “A Shriek in the Night” from 1933. Yep, it’s a black-and-white flick from way back when, but hear me out—it’s got something, you know?
First off, you got Ginger Rogers before she danced her way into Hollywood royalty. She’s playing a spunky reporter, and let me tell you, she’s got that cheeky flair she later became famous for. Just watching her go toe-to-toe with Lyle Talbot’s character is worth it. The guy’s no Fred Astaire, but who is, right?
Now, about the film, directed by Albert Ray—it’s a mix of mystery and crime, trying to pull off some Hitchcock-like vibes before Hitchcock really hit his stride. And it ain’t bad! You’ve got those dark alleyways and the old-fashioned tension that wraps you in like a wool blanket on a chilly evening.
Funny thing is, back in the day, I was watching this with my mormor, who was suspiciously fond of crime stories. I swear, she could’ve given Miss Marple a run for her money! Every time a suspect turned up, she’d lean over and whisper, “Det är han!” with absolute confidence. Her enthusiasm made this movie a sort of family sport.
One thing is for sure, it didn’t have the budget to be a spectacle. The effects can be a little squeaky—you know those sound effects that feel like someone’s making them with their mouth off-camera? Yeah, those. But the plot’s got enough twists to keep you asking, “Who done it?”
Maybe it won’t change your life, but for a rainy Tuesday or a lazy Sunday, it’s a trip back to the times of trilby hats and wisecracking dames. Give it a whirl; you might find yourself charmed by its old-school simplicity. Plus, you can’t beat the nostalgia of watching something that has that pre-war graininess and vintage vibe. Skål!
