Death Kiss (1932)

On December 5, 1932, K.B.S. Productions released a Hollywood murder mystery (affiliate link) starring three members of the Dracula (1931) film for Universal Studios. David Manners, Bela Lugosi and Edward Van Sloan all played prominent roles in The Death Kiss (1932).

Myles Brent is a leading man acting in a scene where his character will be killed. A woman walks into the scene, kisses him and leaves. Her kiss was a signal to the pretend gangsters to shoot Brent’s character. Life imitates art though as Brent is shot for real during the scene.

The remainder of the film focuses on solving the murder of Brent, a cad with many enemies. Brent’s ex-wife Marcia Lane, played by Adrienne Ames, is the actress, who kissed Brent right before he was shot in the scene. She quickly becomes the main suspect.

Screenwriter Franklyn Drew, played by David Manners, is in love with Marcia. He is determined to prove she is not guilty. The police don’t welcome Drew’s help but accept it.

Studio Manager Joseph Steiner, played by Bela Lugosi, also is assisting the police in their investigations. The police and Drew seem to be suspicious of Steiner’s intentions. The old enemies from Dracula maybe allies in this film, which ends with a surprising revelation.

The Death Kiss (1932) is a “B” film better done than most. It would be hard to make a bad film with Lugosi, Manners and Van Sloan.

You can leave a comment or ask a question about this or any post on my Facebook page, Twitter profile and Google+ page.

Pin It