Murder by Television Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Movie Overview: Murder by Television
| Movie | Murder by Television |
| Release Year | 1935 |
| Director | Clifford Sanforth |
| Genre | Thriller / Mystery / Horror / Science Fiction |
| Runtime | 53 minutes (53m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Murder by Television (1935) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 4.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Murder by Television are led by Bela Lugosi . The supporting cast, including June Collyer and Huntley Gordon , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Murder by Television does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Thriller films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Murder by Television has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Thriller fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Murder by Television
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1935, Murder by Television is a Thriller, Mystery, Horror, Science Fiction film directed by Clifford Sanforth, written by Joseph O'Donnell. The narrative builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Bela Lugosi as Arthur Perry.
Ending Explained: Murder by Television
Murder by Television Ending Explained: James Houghland, inventor of a new method by which television signals can be instantaneously sent anywhere in the world, refuses to sell the process to television companies, who then send agents to acquire the invention any way they can. Directed by Clifford Sanforth, this 1935 thriller film stars Bela Lugosi (Arthur Perry), alongside June Collyer as June Houghland, Huntley Gordon as Dr. Henry M. Scofield, George Meeker as Police Chief Nelson. Rated 4.2/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of Murder by Television?
James Houghland, inventor of a new method by which television signals can be instantaneously sent anywhere in the world, refuses to sell the process to television companies, who then send agents to acquire the invention any way they can. On the night of his initial broadcast Houghland is mysteriously murdered in the middle of his demonstration and it falls to Police Chief Nelson to determine who the murderer is from the many suspects present.
Clifford Sanforth's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Bela Lugosi (Arthur Perry)'s journey. On the night of his initial broadcast Houghland is mysteriously murdered in the middle of his demonstration and it falls to Police Chief Nelson to determine who the murderer is from the many suspects present.
How Does Bela Lugosi (Arthur Perry)'s Story End?
- Bela Lugosi: Bela Lugosi's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- June Collyer (June Houghland): June Collyer's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Huntley Gordon (Dr. Henry M. Scofield): Huntley Gordon's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Murder by Television Mean?
The ending of Murder by Television brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Bela Lugosi's story may not satisfy all audiences.
Murder by Television Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Murder by Television Based on a True Story?
No, Murder by Television is a work of fiction. While the thriller, mystery, horror, science fiction film directed by Clifford Sanforth and starring Bela Lugosi may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Murder by Television?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 53 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Box Office Collection: Murder by Television
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $35.0K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Murder by Television Budget
The estimated production budget for Murder by Television is $35.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch Murder by Television Online?
Streaming HubMurder by Television Parents Guide & Age Rating
1935 AdvisoryWondering about Murder by Television age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Murder by Television (1935) is 53 minutes (53m). Directed by Clifford Sanforth, the film runs for 53 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.2/10, and global performance metrics, Murder by Television is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 1935 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Murder by Television worth watching?
Murder by Television is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 4.2/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Murder by Television parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Murder by Television identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Murder by Television (1935)?
The runtime of Murder by Television (1935) is 53 minutes (approximately 0h 53m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
