"When an actor in a mystery film called 'The Death Kiss' ends up killed during a drive-by shooting scene, the film's screenwriter Franklyn Drew (David Manners) takes it upon himself to investigate. Among the suspects are an actress named Marcia Lane (Adrienne Ames), who is not only the dead actor's widow but also the screenwriter's lover, and Joseph Steiner, an arrogant studio executive played by Bela Lugosi," according to the Alpha Video DVD sleeve description. Future releases, if there are any, should correct the credit "Directed by Phil Rosen". And, always look for a version that includes the restored colorized sequences.
This minor classic is smoothly orchestrated by director Edwin L. Martin and entertainingly managed by the cast and crew.
"The Death Kiss" is one of those old public domain films sold by vendors capitalizing on the title and Lugosi's appearance in the cast to suggest horror. Although it reunites three horrific "Dracula" (1931) actors, this is strictly a mystery. The story wasn't original, but seemed fresh in the new talking pictures medium. The aforementioned stars are joined by Edward Van Sloan as the director who unknowingly scolds his star murder victim for hamming up his demise. For a retake, the director advises expiring actor Edmund Burns (as Myles Brent), "When you die this time, let's have less gymnastics, and don't spin like a top when you fall."
****** The Death Kiss (12/5/32) Edwin L. Marin ~ David Manners, Adrienne Ames, Bela Lugosi, Edward Van Sloan
