A police chief responds to an ambitious detective’s desire for a promotion with the tale of a real smart piece of detection, explaining how Inspector Steve Trent (Ralph Bellamy) uncovered who killed wealthy Edward Arnold, and why. The murder takes place with Trent on the scene, summoned by Arnold because of his fear that he will meet his doom “before midnight” in accordance with warning signs associated with a family curse, a fear that proves justified. Old dark house trappings and Trent’s relentless investigation add some interest, and the twists and explanations were occasionally surprising, but somehow the movie lacks much appeal. Still, I’ll probably watch others in the short (4-movie) series if I have the chance.

  Mildly recommended. Otto judiciously thinks this movie is OK, but not great.

Movie 66 for 2021.