The Night of January 16th 1941
In William Clemens' taut 1941 mystery drama "The Night of January 16th," a young woman stands trial for the murder of her wealthy employer, Bjorn Faulkner, thrusting her into a courtroom battle where every witness seems to have a secret.
Director: William Clemens
Cast
Robert Preston
Steve Van Ruyle
Ellen Drew
Katherine "Kit" Lane
Nils Asther
Bjorn Faulkner
Clarence Kolb
Tilton
Willard Robertson
Inspector Donegan
Cecil Kellaway
Oscar, the Drunk
Donald Douglas
Attorney Polk
Paul Stanton
District Attorney
Margaret Hayes
Nancy Wakefield
Harry Hayden
Williamson
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Night of January 16th (1941) about?
The film follows Kit, a woman accused of killing her employer, Bjorn Faulkner, as she faces trial in a high-stakes courtroom drama. With the evidence stacked against her, she finds an unlikely ally in Steve Van Ruyle, a sailor on leave whose personal stakes in the case add another layer of mystery. The story unfolds like a puzzle, revealing hidden motives and unexpected twists.
Who directed The Night of January 16th?
William Clemens directed this 1941 mystery drama, known for his skill in crafting suspenseful narratives and engrossing courtroom scenes.
Who stars in The Night of January 16th?
The film features Robert Preston, Ellen Drew, Nils Asther, Clarence Kolb, and Cecil Kellaway in key roles.
Is The Night of January 16th (1941) worth watching?
As a classic mystery with sharp dialogue and a compelling courtroom setup, "The Night of January 16th" offers solid entertainment for fans of crime dramas. While it lacks an IMDb rating for benchmarking, its 80-minute runtime and focus on suspense and intrigue make it a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy Golden Age whodunits.
How long is The Night of January 16th?
The Night of January 16th runs for 80 minutes.
About The Night of January 16th (1941) — A Courtroom Thriller of Secrets and Suspense
In William Clemens' taut 1941 mystery drama "The Night of January 16th," a young woman stands trial for the murder of her wealthy employer, Bjorn Faulkner, thrusting her into a courtroom battle where every witness seems to have a secret. With the trial's outcome hanging in the balance, a charming sailor on shore leave—Steve Van Ruyle—steps forward as her unexpected champion, his motives as murky as the case itself. The film crackles with sharp dialogue and shadowy intrigue, blending courtroom tension with classic noir atmosphere as alliances shift and truths unravel under pressure.
Robert Preston and Ellen Drew lead a stellar cast in this gripping tale of ambition, deception, and justice, where the line between guilty and innocent blurs with each testimony. Directed with precision by Clemens, the story explores themes of power, loyalty, and the cost of truth in a world where appearances are as deceiving as the night of January 16th itself.
