Watch Night Key Karloff
- 1937
- 1 hr 7 min
Night Key is a suspenseful and thrilling movie released in 1937, starring the legendary horror actor Boris Karloff in the lead role along with Warren Hull. The plot revolves around the character of David Mallory, a renowned inventor who has invented a new system for burglar alarms. However, he falls victim to his own invention as his employer, John Ramsey, steals his invention without giving him any credits. Ramsay starts making huge profits by selling Mallory's inventions and continues to earn money at Mallory's expense.
Years later, Mallory is leading a retired life with his daughter Joan. He is approached by a group of criminals who want him to use his inventions to rob wealthy people's homes. Initially hesitant, Mallory agrees to do it only to teach Ramsay a lesson for stealing his invention. Along with the criminals, Mallory starts planning the heists and using his inventions to rob the targeted homes. However, Ramsay senses something fishy going on and starts investigating the robberies himself. The movie follows the cat-and-mouse game between the two while the group continues to rob houses with flawless planning and execution.
The movie features Karloff in a role that is quite different from his usual horror genre. He plays David Mallory, the inventor, perfectly, showing a range of emotions from frustration to revenge to empathy. His performance adds a layer of depth to the character, making him relatable to the audience. Warren Hull's portrayal of John Ramsey is equally good, and he manages to convey the character's greed and cunningness effortlessly.
The supporting cast of the movie is also commendable, especially the actors who play the group of criminals. They have managed to create a chemistry amongst themselves, which is essential when portraying a group of people who work together. The characters are well-defined, and each has a unique personality that complements the story.
One of the highlights of the movie is the use of the burglar alarm system as a central theme. The inventions are shown in detail, and the way they are used for the robberies is creative and innovative. The movie also shows the negative aspects of capitalism, where the rich steal ideas and use them for their benefit without giving any credit or compensation to the inventor.
The movie's direction is tight, and the pacing is just right, maintaining the thrill and suspense throughout. There are no unnecessary subplots, and the plot moves forward without any hindrances.
The cinematography of the movie is excellent, and the black and white contrasts are well-balanced. Some of the scenes are shot beautifully, especially the ones where Karloff's character is showcasing his inventions.
The movie's score is minimalistic, which adds to the movie's suspense, as the silence is sometimes more powerful than any background score.
Overall, Night Key is a classic movie that manages to keep the audience engaged and on the edge of their seats. It's a timeless tale of revenge, greed, and justice that is still relevant in today's world. The performances by the cast, especially Boris Karloff, make this movie a must-watch for all movie buffs.
Night Key Karloff is a 1937 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 7 minutes.