Murder by Invitation (Monogram) (1941)

BRIEF BIOGS OF THE STARS WALLACE FORD—“Murder by Invitation,” marks his ninetieth feature picture since making his screen debut 10 years ago in “Possessed.” It is his second film in a row with director Phil Rosen, the pair having just completed Monogram’s ‘Roar of the Press.” Before coming to Hollywood Ford was one of Broadway’s favorite light comedians. He returned to New York to create the leading role in “Of Mice and Men.” Among his film successes are “The Informer,” “Men in White,” “The Lost Patrol” and ‘Untamed.” MARIAN MARSH—After nearly 18 months of retirement, she returns to the screen in “Murder by Invitation.” Born in the British West Indies, she was educated in Los Angeles schools and graduated from Hollywood High School. Starting her screen career while still in school, she has been identified with the industry for several years and has many outstanding credits, including ‘‘Svengali,’’ “Whoopee” and ‘‘Fifty Million Frenchmen.” SARAH PADDEN—Recognized as one of Hollywood’s outstanding character actresses, she continues as one of the busiest and moves steadily from one picture to another. A veteran of the stage and screen, she has been in pictures for 12 years and has appeared in such hits as “The Power and the Glory,” “David Harum,” “Anna Karenina” and Monogram’s “Romance of the Limberlost.” | MARIAN MARSH | Menaced by a ruthless killer and suspected of murder herself, lovely Marian Marsh gets more than her share of chills and thrills in “Murder By Invitation” at the Theatre. Wallace Ford is starred. One Col. Cut or Mat No. 3 0 'e.1@ € 6 6-0.0 Many Successes Credited to Ford Wallace Ford, one of Hollywood’s favorite leading men, chalked up his ninetieth feature picture with the filming of Monogram’s ‘Murder by Invitation,” which opens at the Theatre. The actor made his first screen appearance 10 years ago with Joan Crawford in “Possessed.” Ford, starred in “Murder by Invitation,” with a supporting cast that includes Marian Marsh, Sarah Padden, George Guhl, Wallis Clark and Gavin Gordon, was feted on the special occasion by producer A. W. Hackel and director Phil Rosen. Members of the cast and crew attended a party after work one day and brought gag presents for the guest of honor. During his career Ford has appeared in some of the outstanding productions to come out of Hollywood. These include such hits as “The Informer,’ “Men in White,” “The Nut Farm” and “The Whole Town’s Talking.” GUESTS IN A MYSTERY MANSION Wallace Ford as a Broadway columnist and Marian Marsh as his “girl Friday” find themselves in a dangerous predicament when they invade the shadowy mansion of a millionaire recluse in “Murder By Invitation.” Two Col. Cut or Mat No. 16 Wallace Ford Scores in New Mystery Thriller (Review ) Although it is true, and highly commendable, that Hollywood constantly is searching for fresh talent and new faces to boost to stardom, the fact is that it is the older established actors who continue to ring the bell with bang-up performances and hold their faithful audiences through picture after picture. During the past five years, for? example, scores of newcomers have been given terrific build-ups and fine screen roles in their challenges against the top-ranking favorites. But through the years, the Gables, Lombards, Colberts, McMurrays, et al continue to hold their own. Such an actor is Wallace Ford, who has the starring role in Monogram’s ‘Murder by Invitation,” mystery drama that opened yesterday vate tines sea Theatre. In the profession, Ford is what is known as a “solid” performer and he proves his abilities again in this eerie thriller. As the newspaper columnist who visits an eccentric old lady in her mansion and finds himself in the middle of a series of knife-murders, Ford is capable, smooth and likeable. He turns in a first-class job, ably assisted by a supporting cast headed by Marian Marsh, Sarah Padden, George Guhl, Wallis Clark and Gavin Gordon. The return of Miss Marsh to the screen. after an absence of more than a year is welcome indeed and she adds considerably to the photoplay with a flawless performance. Sarah Padden also scores as the old lady, who finds her relatives committing murders over her fortune—three million dollars in confederate money. Director Phil Rosen has turned in a workmanlike job, making the most out of each situation, and accomplishing a neat balance between suspense and comedy. “Murder by Invitation,’ is a _ picture that will hold its own against any type of competition. A. W. Hackel produced the photoplay, and the writing credit goes to George Bricker. Marcel A. LePicard was the photographer. MURDER FILM OPENS Classed by preview critics as one of the most thrilling, exciting murder mysteries to come out of Hollywood in recent months, Monogram’s ‘“‘Murder by Invitation,” opens at the Theatre. Wallace Ford has the leading role in the picture and is supported by a large cast that includes Marian Marsh, Sarah Padden, George Guhl, Wallis Clark and Gavin Gordon. | others. Knife Mystery Because somebody mislaid the murder knife, Director Phil Rosen almost found himself in a first class predicament during the filming of Monogram’s “Murder by Invitation,” which opens at the Theatre. The same knife was to be used for three murders in the picture, which stars Wallace Ford with Marian Marsh and Sarah Padden, but when it was time to photograph the murder Rosen found himself with a body but no murder weapon. It all worked out when the far-seeing property man produced a duplicate knife. The original later was found in Ford’s portable dressing room. VETERAN OF STAGE J. Arthur Young, veteran of 35 years on the stage, makes his screen debut in Monogram’s ‘Murder by Invitation,” Wallace Ford starring picture that opens at the Theatre. He has appeared in some of Broadway’s outstanding hits, including “‘Life With Father,” “Broadway,” “Jonesy” and “Night of January 16.”’ Also in the cast of “Murder by Invitation,” are Marian Marsh, Sarah Padden and George Guhl. Stars Re-United Proving that it’s a small world or something, Wallace Ford and Marian Marsh finally are reunited in Monogram’s ‘Murder by Invitation,” after a screen separation of six years. Despite the fact they have both worked constantly in the past few years, their professional trails never crossed again until this picture, opening at the Meson Rares Theatre. In 1935, Ford and Miss Marsh were co-starred in a film titled “In Spite of Danger.” When the last scene had been photographed, Ford said: “Don’t forget, Marian, we’re going to be together again soon.” The “soon” stretched into six years before Producer A. W. Hackel signed the actors for his murder mystery. Also in the cast are Sarah Padden, George Guhl, Wallis Clark, Gavin Gordon, J. Arthur Young and Phil Rosen directed. *“MURDER BY INVITATION” IS ACE ENTERTAINMENT FOR FANS (Review ) Aimed specifically at the murder-mystery fan, but holding a definite appeal for all types of theatre-goers, Monogram’s “Murder by Invitation” is the current attraction at the Theatre. With Wallace Ford in the leading role, capably supported by a cast that includes Marian Marsh, Sarah Padden, George Guhl, Wallis Clark,* and Gavin Gordon, the film stacks up as a_swiftly-paced mystery thriller with real entertainment punch. The picture is notable also in that it brings back to the screen Marian Marsh, who has been in retirement for more than a year. Director Phil Rosen, who seems to have a knack for making his films move along at a neat clip, surpasses himself with this one. Working from a_ screenplay by George Bricker, Rosen keeps the action flowing continuously and builds smoothly to each situation. “Murder by Invitation,” tells the story of an eccentric old spinster who invites the prospective heirs to spend a week at her huge mansion so she can decide who will get her fortune. On the first night one of the relatives is murdered, starting a series of knife-slayings that keep the household in a constant state of terror and suspense. Wallace Ford, seen as a newspaper columnist, visits the estate to cover the story, and finds himself mixed up with more murders, dead bodies and mysterious warnings. It is largely through his efforts, however, that the crimes finally are solved and the killer brought to light. As usual, Ford turns in a flawless performance, taking command of the picture and scoring solidly as the newspaperman. Miss Marsh is excellent, and Sarah Padden, as the wealthy old woman, handles her assignment with finesse and dispatch. The picture was produced by A. W. Hackel. Marcel A. LePicard was the photographer. ’ | CLUE-HUNTERS | Playing a crime-hunting newspaper columnist, Wallace Ford exhibits a murder weapon to Marian Marsh, his wise-cracking secretary, in ““Murder By Invitation,” Monogram’s mystery thriller opening at the One Col. Cut or Mat No. 4 +0; at «70: oe Oe e/teziejte Sees 0561.07 818 Hollywood Farmers Wallace Ford and Marian Marsh, who have the leading roles in Monogram’s “Murder by Invitation,”’ current attraction-at the = 22-2 Theatre, are two of the most enthusiastic ranchers in the film colony. They own adjoining ranches in the San Fernando Valley. These are not just excuses for ranches, but the real thing with horses, cattle, chickens and other livestock. Running Time Footage Code Number Ford Sets Precedent Because it sets a Hollywood precedent, it is worthy of comment that Wallace Ford, who plays a newspaperman in Monogram’s ‘Murder by Invitation,” which opens at the Theatre, did not visit a newspaper to get actual experience as a reporter. This is contrary to the accepted Hollywood routine, where any star who is cast as a reporter visits a newspaper office to get “‘color and background.” Ford is a former newspaperman and didn’t need the experience. HIT MYSTERY FILM COMING THIS WAY (Advance ) Hailed unanimously by preview critics as one of the most swiftly paced mystery thrillers of the current season, Monogram’s ‘Murder by Invitation,” starring Wallace Ford with Marian Marsh, Sarah Padden and George Guhl, opens at the Theatre. Based on a novel plot, the story centers around the whim of an eccentric spinster who invites a group of prospective heirs to visit her rambling old mansion so she can decide who shall be given her fortune. With a murder taking place the first night of the visit, the picture swings into high immediately and never lets down until the final fadeout. Sarah Padden is seen as the eccentric woman, while Wallace Ford appears as a newspaper columnist who finally solves the crimes. “Murder by Invitation,” marks the return to the screen of Marian Marsh, who went into retirement more than a year ago. She is seen as the “Girl Friday” of Ford, and turns in an acting job that should give her career a new impetus. Phil Rosen, recognized as one of Hollywood’s best directors for this type of picture, worked from an original screenplay by George Bricker. A. W. Hackel produced, while Marcel A. LePicard gets the photography credit. Actress Named Calif. Mayor Serving her third consecutive term, Marian Marsh was renamed for another year as honorary mayor of Chatsworth, Calif., during the filming of Monogram’s ‘‘Murder by Invitation,’ current attraction at the Theatre. The young actress has a leading role in the picture, which stars Wallace Ford. Representing the Chatsworth Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Club of Chatsworth and the Chatsworth Civic Organization, a large delegation visited Miss Marsh on the set to notify her of the reappointment. The actress, making her screen comeback in “Murder by Invitation,’ after an absence of 18 months, is one of the busiest civic leaders in the San Fernando Valley community. She has been active in many campaigns for the improvement and development of Chatsworth during the past several years. In addition to Ford and Miss Marsh, “Murder by Invitation,” has a cast that includes Sarah Padden, George Guhl, Wallis Clark, Gavin Gordon and Minerva Urecal. Phil Rosen directed and A. W. Hackel was the producer.