Design for Murder Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 18, 2026
Movie Overview: Design for Murder
| Movie | Design for Murder |
| Release Year | 1939 |
| Director | Roy Boulting |
| Genre | Crime |
| Runtime | 60 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Design for Murder (1939) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Design for Murder are led by Manning Whiley . The supporting cast, including Barbara Everest and Thorley Walters , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Design for Murder does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Crime films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Design for Murder 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 Crime fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Design for Murder
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1939, Design for Murder is a Crime film directed by Roy Boulting. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Manning Whiley.
Ending Explained: Design for Murder
Design for Murder Ending Explained: Directed by Roy Boulting, Design for Murder attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core crime themes developed throughout the film.
The conclusion reflects the central themes explored throughout the narrative, particularly in scenes involving Manning Whiley. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the crime themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Design for Murder reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Design for Murder Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Design for Murder Based on a True Story?
Design for Murder draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. As a crime film directed by Roy Boulting, the production explores how real events can be adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version
The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.
Accuracy Assessment: Design for Murder uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch Design for Murder?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: Design for Murder
All Cast & Crew →
Design for Murder Parents Guide & Age Rating
1939 AdvisoryWondering about Design for Murder age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Design for Murder is 60 minutes (1h 0m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.8/10, and global performance metrics, Design for Murder is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1939 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Design for Murder worth watching?
Design for Murder is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 5.8/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Design for Murder parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Design for Murder identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Design for Murder?
The total duration of Design for Murder is 60 minutes, which is approximately 1h 0m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Design for Murder
How Design for Murder Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Design for Murder
No reviews found for this filter.
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.
