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6.5/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.5/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Murder for Sale remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Alright, so 'Murder for Sale' from 1930. Don't let the title fool you; it's definitely not some gritty crime drama, not by a long shot. If you're into early sound films, that *specific* kind of period charm, or just want something a little different from the usual Hollywood fare of that era, you might really dig this. Think Smilin' Through with a dash of lighthearted caper. But if you need big action, modern pacing, or super serious plots, you'll probably find it a bit… slow. And maybe a touch baffling, honestly.
The whole thing kicks off with Lilian Harvey’s character, the young Mrs. Cora Sander. She’s married to an older, rich dude, and you can just *feel* her boredom radiating off the screen. She’s got this plan for a secret meeting, a bit of a fling, you know? But then, our gentleman-burglar, Robert, played by Willy Fritsch, shows up to swipe some valuables. What are the odds, right? 🤷♀️
It’s really fascinating how the film just *stops* the expected affair dead in its tracks. Instead of a steamy romance, we get this charming, almost comedic cat-and-mouse between Cora and Robert. He’s not a scary thief at all. More like a dashing, slightly clumsy one.
I kept thinking about the title, 'Murder for Sale.' It’s such a mismatch for what you actually get. There's zero murder! It's actually a pretty cute romantic comedy, maybe with a touch of drama, but really, it's just a lot of flirting and clever banter. It feels like someone picked the title out of a hat, or maybe it was a mistranslation, who knows. 1812, for instance, sounds much more like its historical drama content.
Lilian Harvey, she’s just captivating here. Her eyes do so much work. You can see her going from bored, to annoyed, to amused, and then, surprisingly, completely smitten with this unexpected intruder. She’s got this incredible screen presence, even in these early talkie days where acting could sometimes feel a little stiff.
Willy Fritsch as Robert, the burglar, is also quite good. He’s got that debonair, slightly roguish charm. The way he tries to be all serious about his thieving, but then keeps getting distracted by Cora’s wit and beauty. It’s a classic trope, but they play it so well together. Their chemistry is actually quite palpable, which for a 1930 film, is a real win.
There's this one scene, I think it’s when Robert is trying to *explain* why he’s a thief. He's not menacing at all. He sounds almost apologetic. It's so endearing. And Cora’s reaction shot here, just a slight tilt of her head, a hint of a smile. **It says so much without any words.** That's something you don't always get in films from this period.
The pacing, oh boy. It’s definitely of its time. Things unfold gently. There are long stretches of dialogue, and sometimes a shot just lingers a bit longer than you’d expect today. But it lets you soak in the atmosphere. You notice the costumes, the intricate sets, the little gestures. It’s like watching a stage play, in a good way.
And the sound! It’s an early sound film, so don't expect crisp, modern audio. There are moments where the sound feels a bit echoey, or a line of dialogue might be a little muffled. But it's part of the charm, part of seeing cinema figuring itself out. You can almost hear the microphones trying their best.
The secondary characters don't get a whole lot to do. They're mostly there to move the plot along or provide a brief moment of comic relief. Paul Henckels as the husband is fine, mostly just playing the oblivious, older spouse. Not much depth there, but he serves his purpose.
What I really liked was the way the film played with expectations. You think it's one kind of story, and then it twists into something else entirely. It's not a grand, sweeping narrative, but a delightful little diversion. It's a film that knows what it is and doesn't try to be more. And for that, I kinda respect it.
So, yeah, give 'Murder for Sale' a look if you're curious about early sound cinema or just enjoy a lighthearted, old-fashioned romance with a quirky edge. It’s not perfect, but it's got a certain something. A charming artifact, really.
IMDb 6.4
1926
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