Murder on the Second Floor

Synopsis

"Murder on the Second Floor" is a 1932 British thriller directed by William C. McGann, featuring John Longden in a gripping whodunit narrative. The film is set in a London boarding house where tensions rise among its eclectic residents following a mysterious murder. As each character becomes a suspect, the story unfolds through suspenseful twists and subtle character interactions that reveal hidden motives and secrets. The atmospheric black-and-white cinematography and tight pacing create a claustrophobic tension typical of early 1930s crime dramas. The film blends elements of mystery and psychological thriller, engaging viewers with its classic detection style and period charm.

Cast

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  John Longden

  Hugh Bromilow

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  Pat Paterson

  Sylvia Armitage

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  Amy Veness

  Mrs Armitage

• Ben Field

  Mr Armitage

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  Florence Desmond

  Lucy

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  Sydney Fairbrother

  Miss Snell

Reviews

Critical reception of "Murder on the Second Floor" has been mixed, reflecting varying views on its execution and impact. The movie holds an IMDb rating of 4.4 out of 10, indicating a generally lukewarm reception from audiences who find the pacing slow and the plot predictable compared to modern standards. Critics note that while the film captures the style of early 1930s British thrillers, it lacks the dynamic storytelling and character development that contemporary viewers expect. Film historian reviews, however, often appreciate it as an interesting artifact of its time, praising John Longden's steady performance and the film's atmospheric tension despite budgetary constraints. Notably, the film has not been widely reviewed on major aggregator sites like Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic due to its age and limited modern availability, which contributes to the scarcity of comprehensive critical consensus.