The Death Kiss

"The Death Kiss" is a 1932 American pre-Code mystery film. It is notable for its behind-the-scenes Hollywood setting and for starring Bela Lugosi, famous for his role as Dracula, in a rare non-horror role.

Plot
The film is a meta-mystery that takes place on a movie set. A famous actor, played by the fictional character of Tom Keating, is murdered on camera while filming a death scene. The staged "death kiss" becomes a real-life crime, and production is halted.

Police detectives investigate the crime, but the case is complicated by a journalist named Franklyn Drew, who, with his sharp wit and investigative skills, believes he can solve the case before the police. Drew, assisted by a quirky sidekick, maneuvers through the apathetic and suspicious crew members, shady producers, and jealous actors, all of whom have motives.

Bela Lugosi plays the character of Joseph Steiner, the studio's technical director, who becomes a prime suspect. His character is shrouded in mystery and helps build the suspense. The film uses its Hollywood backdrop to add intrigue, with clues hidden in film reels, props, and on-set drama.

Cast
David Manners as Franklyn Drew (the journalist)

Bela Lugosi as Joseph Steiner (the technical director)

Adrienne Ames as Marcia Lane (the lead actress)

Edward Van Sloan as the Police Detective (Van Sloan also co-starred with Lugosi in Dracula and Frankenstein).

John Wray as Officer Sheehan

Significance
Hollywood Setting: The film is an early example of a mystery set within the movie industry itself, a theme that would become popular in later years.

Bela Lugosi's Role: It's a key film for Lugosi fans, showcasing him in a non-supernatural, purely human role as a suspect, a significant departure from his more famous roles as Dracula and other villains.

Pre-Code Era: Released during the pre-Code era, the film was able to portray a darker, more cynical view of Hollywood and the motivations of its people than would have been permitted after the strict enforcement of the Production Code.