Murder by an Aristocrat is a 1936 American mystery film directed by Frank McDonald and starring Lyle Talbot, Marguerite Churchill and Claire Dodd. The film was based on a 1932 novel of the same title by Mignon G. Eberhart, with sets designed by Hugh Reticker. It was the seventh of 12 B-mysteries released by Warner Bros. as part of their "Clue Club" series between 1935 and 1938.
Plot summary
Bayard Thatcher, the black sheep of a storied family, has announced that he will leave for good provided the others pay him $25,000. However, they are not that liquid at the moment, due to lingering effects of the Great Depression. That night, Thatcher is shot in his bed but only wounded. As he recovers, his doctor and nurse try to discern his assailant's identity while also protecting him from any attempts to finish the job.
Cast
Lyle Talbot as Dr. Allen Carick
Marguerite Churchill as Nurse Sally Keating
Claire Dodd as Janice Thatcher
John Eldredge as John Tweed
Wild Bill Elliott as Dave Thatcher
Virginia Brissac as Adela Thatcher
William B. Davidson as Bayard Thatcher
Joseph Crehan as Hilary Thatcher
Florence Fair as Evelyn Thatcher
Stuart Holmes as Higby - Butler
Lottie Williams as Emeline
Mary Treen as Florrie
Milton Kibbee as Cab Driver
References
Bibliography
Backer, Ron. Mystery Movie Series of 1930s Hollywood. McFarland, 2012.