Candles at Nine

During the 1930s and 40s, there were many dozens of films with rather similar plots to "Candles at Nine". Fortunately for this one, about midway though the story, it decided to toss the formula and try to be (somewhat) unique.

The story begins with an old man inviting his greedy relatives to his home. He plans on announcing what he's going to do with his money after he dies...but true to the old formula, he's dead before he can make the announcement. At the reading of the will, however, everyone is shocked....the money doesn't go to his servants or sycophantic family but an unknown family member who has no idea she's related to a rich man. Once it's announced, however, they all seem to try very hard to impress the new heiress....well, that is everyone but the disgruntled servants who seem a bit more menacing and, potentially, homicidal! What's next?

The first half of the film stinks because it is just too familiar. Add to that an unnecessary (and annoying) song and dance number and I was NOT happy when I watched. Fortunately, the story heated up after the midway point, when the writers actually showed some originality! Worth seeing.