The Death Kiss

The Death Kiss is a classic crime drama film directed by Edwin L. Marin and released in 1932. The movie, set in a Hollywood film studio, sheds light on the various aspects of the film-making process, from the scriptwriting stage to the final cut.

Bela Lugosi, a renowned Hungarian-American actor, plays the role of Joseph Steiner, a film director who is in charge of a new movie titled "The Death Kiss". David Manners, another actor of the time who also took part in the popular Dracula movie, plays Franklyn Drew, an actor who takes the lead role in "The Death Kiss." Adrienne Ames plays Marcia Lane, the script girl who has a crush on Franklyn Drew.

The plot revolves around the murder of Mida King, a young actress playing a supporting role in the film. Her body is found in Joseph Steiner's office, and Steiner becomes the prime suspect in the murder investigation as he had a heated argument with Mida right before her death.

The police arrive on the crime scene and start interrogating everyone involved in the making of the movie, including the actors, the crew members, and the studio executives. Everyone seems to have a motive for killing Mida, whether it be professional jealousy, personal grudges, or financial gain. The investigations lead to several suspects, including Marcia Lane, who had a secret affair with Mida and was jealous of her relationship with Franklyn Drew.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the investigation is not as straightforward as it seems, and many layers of deception and intrigue are involved. The identity of the killer is not revealed until the end, making the film more exciting and thrilling to watch.

Apart from the murder mystery, the movie also offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes workings of a Hollywood film studio. The audience gets to see the actors rehearsing their lines, the directors giving instructions, and the camera crews setting up the shots. This aspect of the movie adds another layer of realism and authenticity, making it more than just a crime thriller.

Bela Lugosi delivers a captivating performance as Joseph Steiner, the director who becomes the prime suspect in the murder case. He plays the character with a mix of charisma and sinister charm, which adds to the overall suspense and atmosphere of the movie. David Manners also does justice to his role as Franklyn Drew, the lead actor who is caught up in the mystery of Mida King's murder. Adrienne Ames is excellent as Marcia Lane, the script girl whose romantic feelings for Franklyn Drew make her a prime suspect in the murder case.

The Death Kiss also features some impressive camera work for its time, especially during the climactic scene, which takes place during the filming of "The Death Kiss." The scene is shot in real-time, with the actors performing the scene in front of the camera, creating tension and adding to the already tense situation.

In conclusion, The Death Kiss is a classic crime drama that keeps the audience engaged till the very end. The movie offers a perfect blend of suspense, mystery, and behind-the-scenes drama, making it an enjoyable watch for movie-goers of all ages. The cast delivers excellent performances, and the direction and camera work are equally impressive, making it a must-watch for fans of classic cinema.