Murder, He Says Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.35:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "Murder, He Says" on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber features a 1080p transfer sourced from a recent 4K master by Universal Pictures. The new transfer significantly enhances the film's visual fidelity, presenting a very solid and organic appearance. Depth ranges impressively from very good to near excellent, with consistently pleasing density levels. The image clarity is commendable, though some darker areas exhibit minor fluctuations, reflective of the source material’s age.

The grading job convincingly supports deep blacks and rich shadows without compromising detail, even in restricted lighting conditions that typically suppress such quality. Whites and grays are well-balanced, assisting the film’s unique 'glowing' effects to resonate vividly. While some minor damage remains visible, these instances are neither frequent nor significantly distracting. Manual intervention could rectify these imperfections and further optimize stability in certain segments.

Overall, this Blu-ray release provides a fine presentation of "Murder, He Says," with potential for small but meaningful improvements through delicate manual restoration. Despite a few minor spots and slight stability issues, the high-quality master ensures an engaging viewing experience. Note that the Blu-ray is Region-A locked; therefore, a Region-A or Region-Free player is necessary to access its content.

The Blu-ray release of "Murder, He Says" offers a single English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, supported by optional English SDH subtitles for accessibility. This audio presentation is stable and clear, delivering an experience that is surprisingly robust for a film from the 1940s. With the volume set to a 'cinema level', there was no trace of age-related imperfections, even in the upper register where such flaws typically manifest in older films. The dynamic range is commendable, providing good intensity that reflects the era well.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix delivers dialogue with remarkable clarity and precision. Sound effects are distinct and well-defined, enhancing the overall auditory experience. Music cues are limited, appearing only during the main titles and the conclusion of the film. During the movie, the tune is occasionally hummed, sung, or played on a pump organ, subtly interweaving with the narrative without overwhelming the dialogue or sound effects. This restrained yet effective use of music complements the film's atmosphere without detracting from its primary audio elements.

The Blu-ray of "Murder, He Says" offers a rich array of extras that significantly enhance the viewing experience. Key highlights include an insightful commentary by filmmaker Michael Schlesinger and film archivist Stan Taffel, who delve into the movie's humor, music, and cinematic references, providing a comprehensive look into the film's production and reception. Their cheery yet informative dialogue is a treasure trove for any classic film enthusiast. Additionally, there are trailers that both promote and contextualize related works from the same era, amplifying the appreciation for the genre.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage trailer for "Murder, He Says." In English.
• Commentary: Filmmaker/historian Michael Schlesinger and film archivist Stan Taffel discuss the film's humor, music, and cinematic references.
• Additional Trailers: Trailers for "The Ghost Breakers," "Supernatural," "Doctor Cyclops," and "Road to Utopia."

George Marshall's "Murder, He Says" (1945) is a dark comic farce that expertly combines slapstick and suspense, reflecting the quirky charm that one might attribute to the progenitor of "The Addams Family." Fred MacMurray stars as Pete Marshall, a pollster sent to rural Arkansas to locate a missing colleague. Instead, he stumbles upon the eccentric and dangerous Fleagle family, led by the formidable Mamie Fleagle (Marjorie Main). The storyline pivots on MacMurray's misadventures as he gets embroiled in the family's volatile search for a hidden $70,000 treasure—a narrative device that allows the film to oscillate between comedy and thrilling intrigue.

The film benefits immensely from its stellar cast performances. MacMurray delivers a solid albeit slightly intelligent portrayal of Pete, while Marjorie Main's energetic performance as Mamie injects infectious dynamism into the film. Peter Whitney's dual role as the not-so-bright brothers, Mert and Bert, is enhanced by impressive special effects. Additionally, Helen Walker as Claire Matthews provides a strong counterpoint to MacMurray’s character, transforming from a seemingly dubious figure into an unexpected ally. The supporting performances by Mabel Paige as Grandma Fleagle and Jean Heather as Elany Fleagle add further depth, with Paige contributing both comic and poignant moments.

While Lou Breslow’s screenplay was originally meant for Bob Hope and Paulette Goddard as a follow-up to "The Ghost Breakers," George Marshall directs "Murder, He Says" with enough backwoods ambiance and nighttime suspense to keep audiences engaged. The film's setting—a crumbling mansion with hidden passageways and a gloved figure creeping in the shadows—amplifies the eerie yet humorous atmosphere. However, not all plot points coalesce seamlessly; extended chases and slapstick scenes occasionally stretch beyond their welcome. Nevertheless, Marshall’s adept pacing ensures that the movie's comedic climax, notably featuring a hay baler, remains effective and entertaining.

Murder, He Says is a delightfully macabre comedy featuring standout performances by Fred MacMurray, Marjorie Main, and Peter Whitney. Directed by George Marshall, this darkly humorous film navigates themes and undertones uncommon for its era, making it a unique gem from the 1940s. The unpredictable humor and dark nuances contribute to its eccentric charm, reminiscent of what might be seen in modern favorites like The Addams Family. It's perplexing that the film hasn't garnered more attention over the years, but it's certainly poised for a rediscovery with this stellar release.

Kino Lorber's Blu Ray release of Murder, He Says stands out due to its impeccable presentation. The source material is a pristine 4K master provided by Universal Pictures, ensuring an exceptional visual experience. This high-definition transfer breathes new life into an already engaging film, making it accessible to both longtime fans and first-time viewers alike. The package boasts an exclusive new audio commentary by filmmaker/historian Michael Schlesinger and film archivist Stan Taffel, adding considerable value for cinephiles interested in deeper insights into the movie's production and legacy.

Conclusion: What a crazy film. It can be very funny but the humor routinely comes out of left field and it has some seriously dark undertones that are very uncommon for films from the 1940s. I find it very strange that it isn't better known and folks aren't speculating that it might have been an inspiration for contemporary genre favorites like The Addams Family. It is a tremendous acquisition for Kino Lorber, for sure. This release is sourced from a nice 4K master that was supplied by Universal Pictures. It also features a wonderful exclusive new audio commentary by filmmaker/historian Michael Schlesinger and film archivist Stan Taffel. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.