“We gotta get to the bottom of this thing.”
Neil Broderick (Chester Morris) is a mystery writer. For his next book he intends on writing about a serial killer called “The Black Ace”. He plans on trying to get an interview with a man who is said to know a lot about the killer, Thornton Drake (Henry Stephenson). The killer is called the “Black Ace” because he sends a warning to his victims ahead of time in the form of a black ace of spades. On the train to Drake’s estate Neil meets Martha Winters (Vivienne Osborne). Her father is Drake’s secretary Austin Winters (Grant Mitchell).
Neil gets his interview with Drake. While there Drake gets a warning from the Black Ace himself. The message says he will be killed tomorrow at seven. Out of the blue two dim witted cops show up, Clancy (Frank McHugh) and Dugan (Allen Jenkins). Martha suggests that, to try to outwit the Black Ace, Drake go to his Louisiana plantation to hide out. Drake agrees and says they will all go. On his private plane with him are Martha, Austin, Neil, Clancy and Dugan.
While on their way to Louisiana the pilot goes to the back of the plane. It’s never said why but you can assume a bathroom break. Since this is the 30’s stuff like that is never discussed, in mixed company or in films. The lights go out and when they come back on it is Drake’s secretary Austin that is murdered.
With only a few people on the plane guessing who the Black Ace is will not be too tough. Still once on the ground there are more murders and a few suspects and or accomplices added in. The film changes from murder on a plane to an Old Dark House type mystery but with little mystery.
“Tomorrow At Seven” was released in 1933 and was directed by Ray Enright. The film is a comedy with aspects of a mystery. It’s not a great mystery, not even a real mystery, but it is the typical light fare for its time. Even though the plot is weak, the focus is on the comedy rather than the “who-done-it”. As for McHugh and Jenkins, they are a little lame but I’ve seen a lot worse as far as attempted comics are concerned. The film reminded me a little of “The Gorilla” 1939 with the Ritz Brothers.
This style of mystery was very popular during the time when movie theaters showed two movies, the main feature and the second string. Silly films like this kept poverty row movie studios in business and gave people a little extra for their money.
Sandwiched in between the depression and WWII people needed a little something to let them forget about their troubles for awhile. Films like this played a big part of life during a time when all you had for entertainment was an evening out at the movies. They are a statement of their time and a slice of nostalgia that was just as important to society as world events. Silly as they are, nevertheless, they are important in their own right and should be saved and enjoyed.