Nikki Collins loves mystery novels. When we first see her, she is finishing a book by her favorite crime author, Wayne Morgan. As she looks out the train's window at a stop, probably 125th Street, Nikki sees a murder taking place in a building across from her. She is horrified, but being a determined young woman, she will do everything possible in order to solve the puzzle.
In fact, Nikki gets the thrill of her lifetime when she finds herself in the middle of the family of the man that was killed. Nikki enlists Wayne Morgan, who is reluctant to help, but he eventually comes around to assist her find the real culprit, who in fact, is closely connected with the Waring family. The final moments will find Nikki exactly in the same room where the original crime was committed. In the process of her solving the case she even gets the hunky Wayne Morgan!
"Lady on a Train" seems to have been a sort of valentine from director Charles David, who was in fact the husband of the star of the picture, Deanna Durbin, and whose marriage to her lasted almost a half a century, something not quite usual among show biz folks. This film was a discovery when we first saw it because it has a lot going for it, and on second viewing still keeps our interest.
Deanna Durbin stopped making films a few years after this picture was completed, a sad loss, indeed, for all her fans. Ms. Durbin projected a wholesome figure with a lovely voice to match. We are able to hear her sing three songs: "Silent Night", "Give Me a Little Kiss", and an amazing rendition of "Night and Day".
The supporting cast does a good job for the director. Ralph Bellamy and Dan Duryea play a couple of brothers resentful of being left out of their murdered uncle's fortune. David Bruce appears as the mystery writer. Edward Everett Horton has a small part, but as usual, he was a welcome addition to everything he was asked to do. William Frawley, Allen Jenkins, George Colouris, and Elizabeth Petterson are also featured.
Woody Bredell contributed with his excellent black and white cinematography and Miklos Rozsa composed the musical score that goes well with the action.
An enjoyable film that should not be missed by fans of Ms. Durbin.
In fact, Nikki gets the thrill of her lifetime when she finds herself in the middle of the family of the man that was killed. Nikki enlists Wayne Morgan, who is reluctant to help, but he eventually comes around to assist her find the real culprit, who in fact, is closely connected with the Waring family. The final moments will find Nikki exactly in the same room where the original crime was committed. In the process of her solving the case she even gets the hunky Wayne Morgan!
"Lady on a Train" seems to have been a sort of valentine from director Charles David, who was in fact the husband of the star of the picture, Deanna Durbin, and whose marriage to her lasted almost a half a century, something not quite usual among show biz folks. This film was a discovery when we first saw it because it has a lot going for it, and on second viewing still keeps our interest.
Deanna Durbin stopped making films a few years after this picture was completed, a sad loss, indeed, for all her fans. Ms. Durbin projected a wholesome figure with a lovely voice to match. We are able to hear her sing three songs: "Silent Night", "Give Me a Little Kiss", and an amazing rendition of "Night and Day".
The supporting cast does a good job for the director. Ralph Bellamy and Dan Duryea play a couple of brothers resentful of being left out of their murdered uncle's fortune. David Bruce appears as the mystery writer. Edward Everett Horton has a small part, but as usual, he was a welcome addition to everything he was asked to do. William Frawley, Allen Jenkins, George Colouris, and Elizabeth Petterson are also featured.
Woody Bredell contributed with his excellent black and white cinematography and Miklos Rozsa composed the musical score that goes well with the action.
An enjoyable film that should not be missed by fans of Ms. Durbin.