Occupants of a London boarding house become suspects as a string of murders are discovered.Occupants of a London boarding house become suspects as a string of murders are discovered.Occupants of a London boarding house become suspects as a string of murders are discovered.
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Sidney Bracey
- Watchman
- (scenes deleted)
- (as Sidney Bracy)
Manuel López
- Hindu Sailor
- (uncredited)
Paul Panzer
- Taxi Driver Helping Ram Singh
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaBased on Frank Vosper's play "Murder on the Second Floor," which opened on Broadway at the Eltinge Theatre on September 11, 1929, running for 45 performances. The play marked Laurence Olivier's New York stage debut in the role of Hugh Bromilow, portrayed by Bruce Lester in the film version.
- GoofsThe pocket chess set used by Mr Armitage is the wrong way round. No experienced chess-player such as he is would do that.
- Quotes
Hugh Bromilow: Bromilow. B-R-O-M-I-L-O-W.
Constable: Mr Bromilow. One of the requirements of the Metropolitan Police is a knowledge of spelling.
- Crazy creditsOpening credits prologue: LONDON 1937
- ConnectionsReferenced in Pretty Little Liars: Now You See Me, Now You Don't (2013)
- SoundtracksComin' Thro' the Rye
(uncredited)
Music Traditional
Words by Robert Burns
Sung a cappella by Charles Irwin at the end
Featured review
Fun old dark house mystery
SHADOWS ON THE STAIRS is an acceptable and light murder mystery from the era which is worthy of Agatha Christie or one of her imitators. It's an American production masquerading as a British one, although I admit the accents had me fooled, but the extra budget means that the camera-work is better and the film is of a higher visual quality throughout than to be expected.
The action is centred in and around a boarding house occupied by a number of guests, all of whom have their own motives and machinations. It's almost like the board game Cluedo put up on screen. After a time, one of the leading players is found murdered in his own bedroom, so the police investigate and learn one of the other inhabitants is responsible.
There are some solid mystery elements included in the film, particularly my favourite moment with the spooky figure in the black shawl who goes creeping in and out of rooms. Unfortunately some of the acting - particularly on the part of the female cast members - is rather overdone and histrionic at times. But there's a solid denouement and good work from the likes of character actor Turhan Bey, which keep you glued to the screen.
The action is centred in and around a boarding house occupied by a number of guests, all of whom have their own motives and machinations. It's almost like the board game Cluedo put up on screen. After a time, one of the leading players is found murdered in his own bedroom, so the police investigate and learn one of the other inhabitants is responsible.
There are some solid mystery elements included in the film, particularly my favourite moment with the spooky figure in the black shawl who goes creeping in and out of rooms. Unfortunately some of the acting - particularly on the part of the female cast members - is rather overdone and histrionic at times. But there's a solid denouement and good work from the likes of character actor Turhan Bey, which keep you glued to the screen.
helpful•91
- Leofwine_draca
- Jul 12, 2016
- How long is Shadows on the Stairs?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Runtime1 hour 4 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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Top Gap
By what name was Shadows on the Stairs (1941) officially released in Canada in English?
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