Midnight Intruder

Midnight Intruder

Year: 1938

Runtime: 68 mins

Language: English

Director: Arthur Lubin

CrimeComedyRomance

A former actor poses as the son of a wealthy man and gets involved in a murder in which the real son is the suspect.

Midnight Intruder (1938) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Midnight Intruder (1938) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a rain‑soaked evening that forces three strangers to seek shelter in a vacant mansion, a chance encounter sets off a web of mistaken identity and quiet intrigue. The house belongs to the affluent Reitter family, whose absence leaves its corridors echoing with the promise of wealth and reputation. The atmosphere is a blend of genteel propriety and underlying tension, where the polished veneer of high society masks the uncertainties of those who step inside.

When former newspaper reporter Barry Gilbert stumbles into the home, the long‑absent butler, unaware of the true heir’s appearance, assumes Barry to be the young scion of the Reitters. With little choice and a keen instinct for performance, Barry adopts the role of the missing son, stepping into a world of privilege that feels both alien and oddly fitting. He soon finds himself employed at the family’s newspaper, navigating the expectations of editors and the subtle politics of a household that has never met him before. The situation is complicated further by the arrival of Peggy Reitter, a show‑girl with a fierce devotion to her husband, and the curious neighbor Patricia Hammond, whose interest in Barry adds a layer of personal intrigue.

The stakes rise when the genuine heir, now known by an alias, becomes entangled in a serious accusation that threatens to upend the family’s standing. Barry, already walking a tightrope between deception and survival, is drawn into the unfolding crisis, balancing his own secrets against the desire to protect those around him. As alliances shift and motives remain opaque, the film swirls with a tone that mixes sharp wit, sly humor, and the classic suspense of a mystery that hinges on who can be trusted.

Amidst the elegant settings and the ever‑watchful eyes of the Reitter patriarch, the story invites the audience to wonder how far a man will go to preserve a fabricated identity, and what hidden truths may surface when fame, fortune, and danger converge.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:09

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Charming crime comedies like Midnight Intruder

Witty imposters and cheerful banter amid a lighthearted murder mystery.If you liked the witty banter and lighthearted murder plot of Midnight Intruder, you'll enjoy these movies. They feature charming rogues, clever deceptions, and fast-paced investigations that blend comedy and crime for a thoroughly cheerful and suspenseful experience.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a charismatic, often deceptive, protagonist who becomes embroiled in a crime investigation. The narrative unfolds at a brisk pace, using witty character interactions and a web of lies to drive the plot forward toward a satisfying, happy resolution where the hero triumphs.

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Movies are grouped here for their shared blend of a LIGHT tone, FAST pacing, and MEDIUM intensity. They balance the suspense of a crime plot with the humor and charm of their leads, creating a cohesive experience that feels like a clever, entertaining lark rather than a grim procedural.

Witty imposter capers similar to Midnight Intruder

Clever characters assuming false identities lead to chaotic and romantic escapades.Fans of the clever impersonation and romantic chaos in Midnight Intruder will love these movies. Discover similar stories of charismatic fakers navigating high-society deceptions, wrongful accusations, and budding romances, all delivered with a fast pace and light touch.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern revolves around a protagonist who successfully impersonates someone else, often to gain access to wealth or status. This central lie creates immediate complications, including romantic entanglements and entanglement in a larger conflict like a crime, forcing the imposter to use their wits to navigate the situation and ultimately reveal their true, worthy self.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by the specific plot device of impersonation and its consequences. They share a FAST pacing driven by the constant threat of exposure, a LIGHT emotional weight that keeps the tone playful, and a focus on character-driven comedy and romance stemming from the central deception.

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Midnight Intruder Summary

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Midnight Intruder Summary

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Midnight Intruder Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Midnight Intruder

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Midnight Intruder

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