The Murder of Dr. Harrigan: A Hospital Mystery That Needs More Coffee

Is it worth your time?

If you have a soft spot for 1930s B-movies where everyone speaks in rapid-fire, slightly theatrical bursts, then yes. It’s a perfect pick for a Sunday afternoon when your brain is tired and you just want a murder mystery that doesn't ask you to do any heavy lifting.

If you need high-octane thrills or complex psychological layers, skip it. You’ll probably hate how quickly the plot moves past the actual murder. It’s less CSI and more, well, let’s just get this over with.

The whole premise hinges on this Dr. Harrigan character who is basically a corporate parasite. He takes credit for a drug he didn't invent, which is a great reason for a movie murder. But honestly, the movie is less interested in the medical ethics and more interested in the spooky hallways of the hospital.

There is this one moment where a surgical instrument is used for the deed. It’s a classic trope, but the way they frame it? A bit goofy. You see the shadow, you see the shock, and then we’re on to the next scene. It moves fast. Maybe too fast.

Some random notes I scribbled:

• The lighting in the office scenes is very noir-lite. Lots of long, dramatic shadows that don't seem to come from any actual lamp.
• I’m pretty sure one of the extras in the background of the waiting room is just reading the same newspaper for ten minutes.
• The dialogue is so clipped it’s like they were paid by the syllable.

It’s not quite as intense as Number 17, which felt like it had a bit more grit under its fingernails. This one feels a bit more sanitized, like a hospital waiting room that’s been scrubbed down one too many times.

Mary Astor is doing a lot of the heavy lifting here. She has this way of looking at the camera like she knows the movie is a bit of a mess, but she’s going to keep it professional anyway. Bless her.

There's a scene near the middle that feels like it goes on for an eternity, but then it ends abruptly. It’s like the editor just got bored and hit the cut button. Honestly, I didn't mind it. It keeps you on your toes because you never know when a scene is actually going to finish.

Is it a masterpiece? No. Is it better than watching paint dry? Absolutely. Just don't go in expecting a deep dive into medical malpractice. It’s just a puzzle, and half the fun is seeing how they force the pieces to fit together by the final reel.