
The Black Doll
Seen it?1938 | 66 min | Mystery, Crime
Why it’s a Monday Morning Maybe
With a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz, this one could be a tough watch. Keep your phone handy.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Shadow of a Doubt or Evil Under the Sun, start here.
- The mood
- Tense, gritty.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 6 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1938: an older pace and style.
Nicholas Rood, dishonest mine owner, finds a Black Doll on his desk and knows that vengeance is about to overtake him for murdering his former partner. He is knifed as he talks to his daughter Marian. She summons her fiancé Nick Halstead, a private detective. He finds that six people had a motive for the murder; Rood's sister Mrs. Laura Leland; her son Rex; Rood's associates Mallison and Walling; Esteban, a servant and Dr. Giddings. Sheriff Renick and his deputy Red get the clues all mixed up, but Nick finally narrows the search down to one suspect...
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerWeak
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
Not enough engagement data yet
More like this
The Mirror Crack'dWeeknight WatchAnother detective mystery, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Shadow of a DoubtFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed detective mystery.
Evil Under the SunSaturday SpecialAnother detective crime story, and a Saturday Special.
Strangers on a TrainFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed detective crime story.
Murder She SaidSunday Safe BetAnother detective crime story, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Otis Garrett
- Donald WoodsNick Halstead
- Nan GreyMarian Rood
- Edgar KennedySheriff Renick
- C. Henry GordonNelson Rood
- Doris LloydLaura Leland
- John WrayWalling
- Addison RichardsA.H. Mallison
- Holmes HerbertDr. Giddings
- William LundiganRex Leland
- Fred MalatestaEsteban, the butler