Dressed to Kill (1941)

Dressed to Kill (1941)

“Dressed to Kill” is a 1941 mystery film directed by Eugene Forde. The screenplay by Brett Halliday, Manning O’Conner and Stanley Ruth is based on the 1941 novel “The Dead Take No Bows” by Richard Burke.

Alternative Title: “The Dead Take No Bows”

The story begins with private detective Michael Shayne preparing to marry his fiancée, singer Joanne La Marr. However, their wedding plans are interrupted when they hear a woman’s scream emanating from a neighboring hotel room.

Upon investigation, they discover two bodies: Louis Lathrop, a theater producer and hotel owner, and Desiree Vance, his leading lady, both dressed in medieval costumes from Lathrop’s past theatrical production, Sweethearts of Paris. Lathrop’s costume includes a dog-head mask, hinting at a connection to the character Beppo the Dog, played by the late actor Carlo Ralph.

Shayne, intrigued by the peculiar circumstances, takes on the case. He learns that Lathrop had hosted a private party for the cast to celebrate the anniversary of Sweethearts of Paris. Among the attendees were Max Allaron, the show’s alcoholic musical director; Julian Davis, a former actor; and Otto Kahn, the hotel doorman. The investigation reveals that Lathrop had been involved with another woman, leading to suspicions about various individuals connected to the theater production.

Further inquiry uncovers that Carlo Ralph, believed to have died in World War I, may still be alive. A letter from Ralph to Desiree suggests he survived and had been in hiding. Shayne discovers a hidden passage leading from Lathrop’s apartment to the maid Emily’s room, where Emily’s body is found, along with a note indicating she killed Lathrop due to past betrayal. However, Shayne suspects foul play and continues his investigation.

The climax unfolds when Otto Kahn confesses to the murders. He reveals that he is actually Carlo Ralph, Desiree’s former husband, who had been living under an alias. He killed Lathrop and Desiree in a fit of jealousy and rage. Additionally, he murdered Emily to prevent her from exposing his true identity. Max Allaron had been blackmailing Carlo, leading to further tension and eventual violence. In a final confrontation, Shayne and Inspector Pierson apprehend Carlo and Allaron, bringing the case to a close.

In the denouement, Shayne’s wedding plans are once again delayed, this time by Joanne’s decision to elope with her former boyfriend, leaving Shayne to reflect on the complexities of love and justice.

Cast:

• Lloyd Nolan – Michael Shayne
• Mary Beth Hughes – Joanne La Marr
• Sheila Ryan – Connie Earle
• William Demarest – Inspector Pierson
• Mantan Moreland – Rusty (identified in the end credits – Sam)
• Virginia Brissac – Lynne Evans, aka Emily, the maid
• Erwin Kalser – Otto Kahn/Carlo Ralph
• Henry Daniell – Julian Davis
• Dick Rich – Al
• Milton Parsons – Max Allaron
• Charles Arnt – Hal Brennon
• Charles Trowbridge – David Earle
• Hamilton MacFadden – Reporter
• May Beatty – Phyllis Lathrop
• Charles Wilson – Editor
• Ben Carter – Sam (identified in the end credits – Rusty)