I Killed the Count | |
---|---|
Directed by | Frederic Zelnik |
Written by | Lawrence Huntington |
Based on | I Killed the Count by Alec Coppel |
Produced by | Isadore Goldsmith |
Starring | Ben Lyon Syd Walker Terence de Marney |
Cinematography | Bryan Langley |
Music by | Hans May |
Production company | Grafton Films |
Distributed by | Grand National Pictures Monogram Pictures (US) |
Release date |
|
Running time | 69 minutes |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
I Killed the Count is a 1939 British mystery film directed by Frederic Zelnik and starring Ben Lyon, Syd Walker, Terence de Marney.[1] It was shot at Highbury Studios.[2][3]
Synopsis
Cockney comedian Syd Walker plays it more or less straight as Scotland Yard Detective Inspector Davidson, at present trying to determine who murdered the much-hated Count Mattoni (Leslie Perrins). The dilemma isn't that the Detective is suffering from a lack of witnesses. In fact, four different people come forth to confess to the killing – each of them with plenty of motive and opportunity.
Cast
- Ben Lyon as Bernard Froy
- Syd Walker as Detective Inspector Davidson
- Terence De Marney as Detective Sergeant Raines
- Barbara Blair as Renée la Lune
- Athole Stewart as Lord Sorrington
- Antoinette Cellier as Louise Rogers
- Leslie Perrins as Count Mattoni
- David Burns as Diamond
- Ronald Shiner as Mullet
- Aubrey Mallalieu as Johnson
- Kathleen Harrison as Polly
- Gus McNaughton as Martin
Reception
Variety said after "a casual start, the story warms up and becomes exciting and entertainment."[4]
References
- ^ Wood p.100
- ^ "Film News of the Week. "I KILLED THE COUNT."". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 31, 727. New South Wales, Australia. 7 September 1939. p. 26. Retrieved 4 May 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ ""I KILLED THE COUNT"". Smith's Weekly. Vol. XXI, no. 29. New South Wales, Australia. 16 September 1939. p. 20. Retrieved 4 May 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ I Killed the Count Review at Variety
Bibliography
- Low, Rachael. Filmmaking in 1930s Britain. George Allen & Unwin, 1985.
- Wood, Linda. British Films, 1927–1939. British Film Institute, 1986.