Murder at Monte Carlo: A dusty, forgotten little mystery

Is it worth it?

If you're looking for a tight, punchy thriller, keep walking. Murder at Monte Carlo is the kind of movie you put on while you're folding laundry or organizing your desk. You’ll probably like it if you’re into antique cinema or specifically want to see a very young Errol Flynn before he became the massive star everyone knows. If you need pacing that doesn't feel like it’s taking a nap, you’ll probably hate it.

The whole thing kicks off with a professor who thinks he's cracked the code to roulette. We all know how that goes in movies, right? He gets himself offed, and the hunt for his 'system' begins. It’s pretty standard stuff, but there’s a weird, dusty charm to the way the casino looks. It doesn't look like a real place, more like a stage set built by someone who heard about casinos once in a dream. 🎰

There is a reporter character who is supposed to be our guide, but he spends most of the time just sort of standing around looking inquisitive. It reminded me a bit of the aimless energy in Redhead, where things just sort of happen to the protagonist instead of them driving the story forward. You can almost feel the script struggling to remember it's supposed to be a murder mystery.

The dialogue is stiff. Like, really stiff. It feels like every actor is waiting for a bus while they recite their lines. And don't get me started on the casino scenes—the extras look like they’ve been told to 'act rich' by someone who has never seen a wealthy person in their life. One guy in the background spends three minutes just staring at a drink like it’s a math problem. 🧐

Wait, was that...

Errol Flynn is in this, obviously. He doesn't have much to do other than look charmingly confused, which he was already very good at. It’s a far cry from his later stuff, or even the weird, specific vibe of Midshipman Jack. He feels like he’s just waiting for a better script to fall into his lap. Can't blame him.

• The lighting in the casino is oddly moody for no reason.
• The 'system' never actually gets explained well, which is kind of the fun part.
• Nobody seems particularly upset about the professor dying, which is a bit dark if you think about it.
• The ending just sort of stops. It doesn't really resolve, it just runs out of film.

It’s not a masterpiece. It’s not even really a good mystery. But it’s short, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need on a Tuesday night. Just don't go in expecting to be dazzled by the plot twists, because there aren't any. It’s just people walking through fancy rooms until the credits roll.