Murder in the Family 1938
Unraveling greed and deceit, *Murder in the Family (1938)* throws a wealthy matriarch's inner circle into a high-stakes whodunit when her sudden demise casts suspicion on every relative.
Director: Albert Parker
Cast









Frequently Asked Questions
What is Murder in the Family (1938) about?
When a wealthy woman is found dead, her relatives are drawn into a murder investigation that pits sibling against sibling and cousin against cousin. As motives swirl and alibis crumble, each family member hides more than just holiday dinner gossip.
Who directed Murder in the Family?
Albert Parker, known for his work in both silent and early sound films, helmed this compact yet gripping thriller.
Who stars in Murder in the Family?
The film features Barry Jones as the lead, alongside scene-stealers Jessica Tandy, Evelyn Ankers, and the young Roddy McDowall.
Is Murder in the Family (1938) worth watching?
With its clever plotting and standout cast, *Murder in the Family* offers a satisfying snapshot of 1930s suspense. Fans of classic mysteries and family intrigue will find its short runtime and sharp dialogue rewarding.
How long is Murder in the Family?
The film runs 76 minutes, making it a perfect bite-sized thriller for a rainy afternoon or a double feature with other vintage mysteries.
Murder in the Family (1938) Review — A Glamorous 1930s Murder Mystery
Unraveling greed and deceit, *Murder in the Family (1938)* throws a wealthy matriarch's inner circle into a high-stakes whodunit when her sudden demise casts suspicion on every relative. Directed by Albert Parker, this vintage thriller unfolds like a shadowy chess match, where affection masks ambition and loyalty wears thin under the glare of police scrutiny. With a mood hovering between gothic suspense and family melodrama, the film peels back layers of motive and mistrust, revealing how love can curdle into suspicion and inheritance lines become fatal attractions.
Barry Jones, Jessica Tandy, and Evelyn Ankers lead a standout cast whose performances crackle with restrained intensity, while Roddy McDowall and Glynis Johns add youthful intrigue to the tangled web. Parker's brisk direction keeps the 76-minute runtime taut, balancing sharp dialogue with creeping dread as each character's secrets threaten to surface. Set against the backdrop of a money-driven household, the story asks one chilling question: when fortune turns to ashes, who's left holding the blame?