A stormy night forces various travelers to take shelter at the Black Raven Inn, a hostelry located near the Canadian border and run by Amos Bradford, aka the Raven (George Zucco), who is said to be able to smuggle those on the lam across the border. Among those cast together at the inn: an eloping couple (Robert Livingston and Wanda McKay), the bride’s irate father (Robert Middlemass), an embezzler (Byron Foulger), and a gangster (Noel Madison). Also on hand are the inn’s handyman (Glenn Strange) and a guy with a grudge to settle with Bradford (I. Stanford Jolley). Bradford has his hands full trying to manage all these guests, particularly once the embezzler’s loot is discovered, and when the bride’s father is murdered, it falls on Bradford to sort out the crime, as the sheriff (Charles Middleton) of course leaps immediately to the conclusion that the groom is the guilty party. The movie moves along at a good clip, and Zucco’s wry presence does much to carry it along. Strange contributes in a comic-relief role, particularly as he is repeatedly called upon to brave the storm.

  Recommended. Otto finds this one pleasing enough to relax.

Movie 304 for 2021.