A Night for Crime (1943) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

• Mometu Free with ads · HD

Streaming availability powered by

• J

  Joe Powell (Lyle Talbot)

  A publicity director for a film studio who becomes involved in the investigation after Ellen Smith's murder and Mona Harrison's disappearance. He partners with Susan to piece together alibis and connections among the dinner guests. His persistence drives the pursuit to Reno and into the hotel confrontation.

  • 🎬 Public figure
  • 🕵️ Investigative
• S

  Susan Cooper (Glenda Farrell)

  Joe's girlfriend who takes an active role in uncovering the truth. She searches Mona's bedroom, faces danger, and helps uncover the blackmail and murder links tying the guests together. Her quick thinking keeps the investigation moving when danger arrives.

  • 🎭 Actress
  • 🛡️ Protective
• E

  Ellen Smith (Marjorie Manners)

  A neighbor who is murdered early in the film, setting off the investigation. Her murder suggests a man’s involvement, creating initial confusion for the detectives. Ellen's testimony as a witness to the later events frames part of the motive behind the crimes.

  • 💀 Victim
  • 🧩 Witness
• M

  Mona Harrison (Lina Basquette)

  A celebrated actress who recently disappeared, whose death triggers the central mystery. Her murder reveals a blackmail plot and a crucial link to her sister Marie. Mona's presence and fate drive the emotional core of the story and the pursuit of truth.

  • 🎭 Actress
  • 💔 Victim
• M

  Marie (unlisted in cast)

  Mona's twin sister who becomes the lynchpin of the killer's motive. She manipulates events to cover up the murder and ends up dying after a fall from a hotel window in a violent confrontation.

  • 👯 Twin sister
  • 💔 Villain
• A

  Arthur Evans (Rick Vallin)

  Marie's husband who is involved in the blackmail scheme. He assists in pressuring Mona and becomes tied to Ellen's murder as part of the broader conspiracy. His actions contribute to the escalating danger and the eventual uncovering of the truth.

  • 💌 Blackmailer
  • 🚶‍♂️ Accomplice
• D

  Det. Hoffman (Ralph Sanford)

  The detective who intervenes when the assailant escapes and helps connect the various clues and suspects. His presence anchors the investigative drive and the pursuit of the truth across multiple locations.

  • 👮 Detective
  • 🔎 Investigator
• P

  Police Chief Williams (Forrest Taylor)

  The city’s police chief overseeing the investigation and providing the authoritative backdrop against which the crime unfolds. His leadership anchors the procedural aspects of the case as it moves toward resolution.

  • 👮 Chief
  • 🏛️ Authority
• H

  Hamilton Hart (Donald Kirke)

  An ally of Joe who accompanies him to Reno. He aids in pursuing leads and navigating the escalating danger as the suspects flee to different locales.

  • 🤝 Ally
  • 🗺️ Traveler
• C

  Carol Lynn (Lynn Starr)

  A companion who joins the group in their Reno pursuit. She contributes to the investigation with observations and helps move the narrative toward the final confrontation.

  • 🤝 Ally
  • 🗺️ Partner

• 🕵️

  Mystery

  The film centers on a murder mystery built on misdirection and shifting alibis. Clues emerge from close-quarters settings like the apartment and Mona's home, driving the investigation forward. Detective Hoffman’s entry and the Reno pursuit heighten tension as suspects cross paths. A twist reveals that the killer is a woman, reframing trust and motive among the characters.

• 💌

  Blackmail

  A blackmail scheme threads through the narrative, with Mona and Arthur pressing for money. The investigation uncovers payments and threats tied to Mona's disappearance and Ellen's murder. The revelation that Marie and Arthur manipulated events adds motive to the killings. The web of coercion propels the plot toward a dramatic, danger-filled finale.

• 🔎

  Revelation

  The narrative builds to a dramatic revelation about Mona's murder, exposing Mona's sister Marie as the killer and highlighting Arthur's involvement in the broader scheme. The deaths of Ellen and Mona are linked through this web of deceit and motive. The truth surfaces amid heightened tension as the characters converge in Reno and at the hotel. The climax culminates in Marie's accidental death, sealing the twist and the resolution.