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The Preview Murder Mystery

  • 1936
  • Approved
  • 1h
IMDb RATING
6.4/10
326
YOUR RATING
Reginald Denny, Frances Drake, and Gail Patrick in The Preview Murder Mystery (1936)
WhodunnitActionCrimeMysteryRomance

A public relations man for a movie studio uses an early form of television to help solve a murder.A public relations man for a movie studio uses an early form of television to help solve a murder.A public relations man for a movie studio uses an early form of television to help solve a murder.

  • Director
    • Robert Florey
  • Writers
    • Brian Marlow
    • Robert Yost
    • Garnett Weston
  • Stars
    • Frances Drake
    • Reginald Denny
    • Gail Patrick
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • IMDb RATING
    6.4/10
    326
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Robert Florey
    • Writers
      • Brian Marlow
      • Robert Yost
      • Garnett Weston
    • Stars
      • Frances Drake
      • Reginald Denny
      • Gail Patrick
    • 12User reviews
    • 4Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro

    • Photos11

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    Top cast62

    Edit
    Frances Drake
    Frances Drake
    • Peggy Madison
    Reginald Denny
    Reginald Denny
    • Johnny Morgan
    Gail Patrick
    Gail Patrick
    • Claire Woodward
    George Barbier
    George Barbier
    • Jerome Hewitt
    Ian Keith
    Ian Keith
    • E. Gordon Smith
    Rod La Rocque
    Rod La Rocque
    • Neil Du Beck
    Conway Tearle
    Conway Tearle
    • Edwin Strange
    Thomas E. Jackson
    Thomas E. Jackson
    • Detective McKane
    • (as Thomas Jackson)
    Jack Raymond
    • George Tyson
    Colin Tapley
    Colin Tapley
    • Studio Manager
    Jack Mulhall
    Jack Mulhall
    • Jack Rawlins
    Bryant Washburn
    Bryant Washburn
    • Karl Jennings
    Franklyn Farnum
    Franklyn Farnum
    • James Deley
    • (as Franklin Farnum)
    Lee Shumway
    Lee Shumway
    • Chief of Police
    Spencer Charters
    Spencer Charters
    • Jones - Watchman
    Chester Conklin
    Chester Conklin
    • Comedian
    Hank Mann
    Hank Mann
    • Comedian
    William Arnold
    • Theatre Manager
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Robert Florey
    • Writers
      • Brian Marlow
      • Robert Yost
      • Garnett Weston
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The illuminated rooftop sign of the local chain Broadway Department Store's famed Hollywood location is briefly glimpsed in the background. The corner building still stands at the famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine and is listed on the national register of historic places. It is a converted residence building as of 2023, but in its heyday, the department store served many Hollywood personnel, who worked both in front of and behind the camera.
    • Goofs
      Du Beck hands Smith a crumpled noted with the threat typed on it. However, in closeup, the paper is smooth with a single fold in it.
    • Quotes

      [last lines]

      Peggy Madison: [changing from what was her guide of astrology] I'm going to take up numerology.

      Johnny Morgan: What's that?

      Peggy Madison: Well, if the letters of your name don't add up right, we'll change it.

      Johnny Morgan: Say, that's a swell idea. We'll change your name tomorrow.

      Peggy Madison: Don't I have anything to say about that?

      Johnny Morgan: Yup, just two words.

      Peggy Madison: Two words?

      Johnny Morgan: "I do."

      Peggy Madison: [as Johnny hugs her] Oh, Johnny.

    • Crazy credits
      The cast list shown at the end lists only the supporting players, not the stars (who are listed at the beginning).
    • Connections
      References The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
    • Soundtracks
      Promise with a Kiss
      (uncredited)
      Music by Charles Kisco
      Lyrics by Leo Robin
      [Neil Du Beck (Rod La Rocque) sings the song during the filming of Song of the Toreador]

    User reviews12

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    7/10

    The Preview murder mystery

    The star of "Song of the Toreador" receives threatening messages that he will not survive the preview screening of the film. The studio publicist works with the Director, the Producer and the police, to discover who is behind the threats.

    Rather good mystery with a pacy plot, good chemistry between Reginald Denny and Drake - Drake plays an astrology obsessed person. Denny wants to marry her but she says their stars don't align. This is an entertaining mystery with a fine insight of film making of that period. A nice look at paramount studio backlot- the camera angles are great, capturing things nicely.
    • coltras35
    • Mar 2, 2023
    • Permalink

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    FAQ13

    • How long is The Preview Murder Mystery?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • February 28, 1936 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Languages
      • English
      • French
    • Also known as
      • Preview
    • Filming locations
      • Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA(Studio)
    • Production company
      • Paramount Pictures
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.37 : 1

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    Reginald Denny, Frances Drake, and Gail Patrick in The Preview Murder Mystery (1936)
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