Murder by Television (1935) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A murder investigation unfolds after an inventor is killed during a television demonstration involving a coveted scientific process.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

The Invention Under Siege

James Houghland develops an instant television transmission process and refuses to sell it to television companies. Their agents consequently seek other ways to obtain the invention.

Key Events

• New Television Process — Houghland develops a method for sending television signals instantly worldwide. Characters: James Houghland Location: Houghland's laboratory
• Companies Seek The Process — Television companies send agents to obtain Houghland's invention. Characters: James Houghland Location: Houghland's laboratory
• Houghland Refuses To Sell — Houghland refuses to sell the process to television companies. Characters: James Houghland Location: Houghland's laboratory
• Agents Pursue The Invention — Outside agents continue trying to acquire the invention by any means. Characters: James Houghland Location: Houghland's mansion
• Assistant Becomes Suspect — Arthur is suspected of accepting a large bribe to spy for industry. Characters: James Houghland, Arthur Perry Location: Houghland's mansion

Death During The Broadcast

Houghland prepares an initial broadcast to demonstrate his invention. He is mysteriously murdered in the middle of the demonstration, turning the mansion into a crime scene.

Key Events

• Broadcast Preparations — Houghland prepares to demonstrate his invention during its initial broadcast. Characters: James Houghland, Arthur Perry Location: Houghland's mansion
• Initial Broadcast Begins — Houghland begins the public demonstration of his instant television process. Characters: James Houghland, Arthur Perry Location: Houghland's mansion
• Houghland Is Murdered — Houghland is mysteriously murdered in the middle of the demonstration. Characters: James Houghland, Arthur Perry Location: Houghland's mansion
• Mansion Sealed Off — The mansion is sealed while Nelson begins examining the suspects. Characters: Police Chief Nelson, Arthur Perry Location: Houghland's mansion

Suspects Behind Sealed Doors

Police Chief Nelson seals the mansion and investigates the many suspects present. Arthur Perry's alleged bribe makes him a leading suspect, while an unidentified intruder repeatedly tries to enter.

Key Events

• Nelson Leads Inquiry — Nelson investigates the many suspects present after Houghland's death. Characters: Police Chief Nelson, Arthur Perry Location: Houghland's mansion
• Arthur Becomes Leading Suspect — Arthur's alleged bribe and spying mission place him among the leading suspects. Characters: Police Chief Nelson, Arthur Perry Location: Houghland's mansion
• Intruder Challenges The Seal — An unidentified man repeatedly tries to enter the sealed mansion. Characters: Police Chief Nelson Location: Houghland's mansion entrance
• Intruder Is Ejected — The unidentified man is repeatedly expelled while insisting he has business there. Characters: Police Chief Nelson Location: Houghland's mansion entrance

A Second Body

Arthur Perry is found stabbed to death, disrupting the investigation and creating another murder mystery. The revelation that he was a dishonest twin further complicates the case.

Key Events

• Arthur Is Found Stabbed — Arthur is found stabbed to death, disrupting the original investigation. Characters: Police Chief Nelson, Arthur Perry Location: Houghland's mansion
• Second Murder Complicates Case — Arthur's death creates a second murder within the sealed investigation. Characters: Police Chief Nelson, Arthur Perry Location: Houghland's mansion
• Dishonest Twin Revelation — Arthur is revealed to have been the dishonest twin of an FBI investigator. Characters: Arthur Perry, Police Chief Nelson Location: Houghland's mansion
• FBI Investigator Appears — The FBI investigator appears and frightens the women present. Characters: Police Chief Nelson Location: Houghland's mansion

Science Reveals The Killer

An FBI investigator explains the scientific method used in the murder. Stolen blueprints found in the guilty party's wallet provide the decisive evidence.

Key Events

• FBI Investigator Appears — The FBI investigator appears and frightens the women present. Characters: Police Chief Nelson Location: Houghland's mansion
• Scientific Murder Method Explained — The FBI investigator explains the scientific method used to commit the murder. Characters: Police Chief Nelson Location: Houghland's mansion
• Blueprints Found In Wallet — Stolen invention blueprints are found in the guilty party's wallet. Characters: Police Chief Nelson Location: Houghland's mansion
• Murder Mystery Resolved — The scientific explanation and stolen blueprints identify the guilty party. Characters: Police Chief Nelson, James Houghland, Arthur Perry Location: Houghland's mansion

Story Breakdown

• Revolutionary Invention — James Houghland creates a process capable of transmitting television signals instantly around the world.
  • Instant Signal Method — Houghland develops the new television transmission process.
  • Commercial Pressure — Television companies send agents to acquire the invention.
• Refusal And Espionage — Houghland refuses to sell the process, while Arthur Perry becomes connected to an alleged corporate spying scheme.
  • Houghland Refuses Sale — Houghland declines to sell his invention to television companies.
  • Arthur's Alleged Bribe — Arthur is suspected of accepting a $100,000 bribe to spy for industry.
• Broadcast Murder — The invention's first broadcast becomes the setting for Houghland's unexplained murder.
  • Initial Demonstration — Houghland begins demonstrating the television process.
  • Death On Air — Houghland is murdered in the middle of the demonstration.
• Sealed Mansion Inquiry — Police Chief Nelson investigates the suspects trapped inside the sealed mansion.
  • Nelson Takes Command — Nelson leads the search for Houghland's murderer.
  • Persistent Intruder — An unidentified man repeatedly tries to enter the sealed mansion.
• Second Murder Twist — The discovery of Arthur's body transforms the investigation and reveals a deceptive identity.
  • Arthur Is Stabbed — Arthur is found stabbed to death during the investigation.
  • Dishonest Twin — Arthur is revealed to have been the dishonest twin of an FBI investigator.
• Scientific Exposure — The murder method and stolen blueprints provide the evidence needed to identify the guilty party.
  • Murder Method Explained — The FBI investigator reveals how the scientific murder was committed.
  • Blueprint Evidence — Stolen invention blueprints are found in the guilty party's wallet.

Directed by

Clifford Sanforth

Key Cast

• Bela Lugosi — Arthur Perry
• June Collyer — June Houghland
• Huntley Gordon — Dr. Henry M. Scofield
• George Meeker — Police Chief Nelson
• Charles Hill Mailes — James Houghland