Murder at Midnight (1931 film)

Murder at Midnight is a pre-Code American mystery film directed by Frank R. Strayer and released in 1931 by Tiffany Pictures. The film stars Alice White, Robert Elliott, and Hale Hamilton.

The plot revolves around a celebrated criminologist, Professor Felix Brower (played by Robert Elliott), who is called upon to solve a series of mysterious murders. The victims are all connected to a disreputable nightclub. Alice White plays Dorothy Wayne, a newspaper reporter who becomes involved in the investigation, both professionally and romantically, with the professor.

Murder at Midnight is considered a minor work within the genre of early sound crime films. It features elements typical of pre-Code cinema, including suggestive dialogue and situations, though relatively mild compared to some of its contemporaries. The film is known for its fast pacing and attempts to create suspense, but it generally received mixed reviews. It has been noted for its rather convoluted plot and reliance on standard mystery tropes. While not a major box office success, Murder at Midnight has endured as a representative example of the kind of low-budget thrillers produced by independent studios during the early years of talking pictures.