Watch Curtain At Eight

Curtain At Eight is a 1933 film directed by E. Mason Hopper and starring C. Aubrey Smith, Dorothy Mackaill, and Paul Cavanagh. The film is a murder mystery, with an intricate plot that unfolds slowly throughout the film. The story centers around the production of a Broadway show called "Girl Of The Golden West." The play's producer, Gordon Dunning (played by Paul Cavanagh), is under immense pressure to make the production a success, as he has promised his investors a large return on their investment. Dunning's wife, actress Mona Maris (played by Dorothy Mackaill), stars in the play, and their marriage is strained due to the stress of the production.

Meanwhile, one of the leading ladies in the play, a temperamental actress named Inez Cordova (played by Adrienne Ames), is causing trouble on set. She is fired from the production and replaced by a young actress named Peggy Lowell (played by Sam Hardy).

The night before the play's opening night, the stage manager is found dead in his dressing room. The detectives investigating the case suspect that one of the people involved in the production is responsible for the murder, and they turn their attention to the cast and crew of "Girl Of The Golden West."

As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that nearly everyone involved in the production has a motive for the murder. Gordon Dunning is heavily in debt and desperate for the play to be a success. Inez Cordova was fired and humiliated. Peggy Lowell is a rising star who wants to make a name for herself. And Mona Maris, Dunning's wife, is facing marital problems and may have a motive of her own.

The detectives investigating the case are portrayed as intelligent and thorough, carefully examining the evidence and interviewing each suspect. The film builds tension by revealing new details and suspects throughout the investigation, leading the audience to deduce the murderer's identity alongside the detectives.

Throughout the film, the production of "Girl Of The Golden West" serves as a backdrop to the murder mystery. We see scenes from the play, giving us a glimpse into the world of Broadway theater in the 1930s. The characters in the play mirror the characters in the murder mystery in interesting ways, with themes of loyalty, ambition, and betrayal running through both.

Overall, Curtain At Eight is a well-crafted murder mystery with a number of twists and turns. The film's intricate plot will keep you guessing until the very end, and the performances from the all-star cast are top-notch. The film is an excellent example of the golden age of Hollywood cinema, with its artful storytelling, attention to detail, and star power.