THE DEATH KISS

Cinemavixion Review

Edwin L. Marin's 1932 film, "The Death Kiss," plunges viewers into the glamorous yet treacherous world of early Hollywood. The narrative unfolds with a meta-cinematic twist: during the filming of a climactic scene, the leading man is murdered, transforming the set into a real-life crime scene. With a plethora of potential suspects among the studio's female contingent, each with their own motives rooted in the victim's alleged romantic entanglements, the film crafts a compelling mystery. Starring the iconic Bela Lugosi alongside David Manners and Adrienne Ames, "The Death Kiss" offers a glimpse into the studio system of the era, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the often-blurred lines between performance and reality. While perhaps not as widely celebrated as some of its contemporaries, this film remains a fascinating artifact of its time, delivering suspense with a distinctly vintage flair.