Murder by Television: Classic Hollywood Thriller

Murder by Television, directed by Clifford Sanforth, is a timeless piece of classic Hollywood thrillers. Set in 1935, this truly technological innovation-driven mystery movie introduces a future path to television broadcasting that transcends the frontiers of time, even at the beginning of TV domination in American households.

The storyline centers around the revered, brilliant inventor, James Houghland. Houghland, played by the charismatic H.B. Warner, has invented a revolutionary technology that allows television signals to be broadcast on a global scale. As with any groundbreaking invention, his technology attracts the attention of numerous parties - both scrupulous and unscrupulous. Before long, big corporations start scheming to acquire the rights to Houghland's invention.

The plot thickens when Houghland is found dead in his laboratory during a demonstration of his creation. The murder is inconspicuous - he’s killed by his invention during broadcast. While it looks like a tragic accident at first glance, it quickly becomes evident that it was a calculated murder. But, who is the mystery killer?

Enter Police Inspector Nelson, armed with an analytical mind and unyielding determination to bring the culprit to justice. The multi-layered film meticulously unravels a series of clues and suspects, as Nelson channels his inner detective skills. Nelson, played with potent charisma by Edmund Flyn, is a well-rounded character with a mind as sharp as a tack, he navigates through the suspects, looking intently for the truth behind this unusual crime.

Woven with suspense, the narrative beautifully highlights various characters who are potential suspects including Perry (Belo Lugosi), Isabella (June Collyer), and Bobby (Henry Mollison). Lugosi, known for his unforgettable portrayal of Dracula, is equally unsettling and impressive in his role as the eccentric Perry.

As investigations deepen into Houghland's reports, documents, and even his private affairs, it becomes even more evident that the murderer could be anyone from his unsuspecting niece June Houghland (June Collyer) to the much-too-convenient handyman Arthur Perry.

But, the presence of several wireless sets and the widespread broadcasting of the murder makes the case take an interesting turn. In a turn of events, the broadcasting system that was intended to shorten distances and bring people closer appears to have been manipulated into a tool of veiled killing. The once marvel of technology has suddenly morphed into a weapon of murder in an intriguing twist of events.

The setting of the film is meticulously designed, with the eerie and haunting atmosphere adding a distinctly old horror charm to the film, setting up viewers for a white-knuckle ride. From the clinical austerity of the science lab to the heirloom-filled living rooms, the movie impeccably creates an ambiance of suspense that never wavers.

Murder by Television become a precursor for countless technological thrillers to come in its engaging blend of science fiction and noir sensibility. The film presents a gripping narrative, introducing us to the suspenseful world of corporate greed, scientific innovation, and ruthless power games.

While the genre has grown and evolved exponentially, Murder by Television holds a historical place as one of Hollywood's first attempts to explore such settings. The film brilliantly combines the thrill of Hollywood mysteries and the allure of technological advancements, producing a story that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats from beginning until the credits roll.

Striking in its cinematic accomplishments and stellar performances, Murder by Television is nothing less than a masterpiece in Hollywood's classic thriller oeuvre. Its impeccable fusion of suspense, science, and screenplay makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre, as well as a fascinating time capsule into the 30's vision of technology's future. It remains a classic, exemplifying Hollywood's golden age.

In conclusion, Murder by Television is an intriguing, suspenseful, and thought-provoking movie that is worth watching for those who enjoy traditional Hollywood thrillers. Its sophistication sets it apart from conventional movies in its genre, making it a classic staple in golden age Hollywood cinema.

The storyline's multiple layers, excellent cast performances, and splendid cinematography graphically portray the world of science, the potential dark side of technological advancements, and the intriguing twists and turns of a classic whodunit. With its inescapable allure, it continues to capture audiences, leaving a timeless mark on the world of cinematic thrillers.