One Dangerous Night (1943) in Color — Starring Warren William & Marguerite Chapman

One Dangerous Night (1943) — Buy This Classic in Color

One Dangerous Night (1943) is a witty crime mystery directed by Michael Gordon, starring Warren William as the debonair jewel thief turned amateur detective, the Lone Wolf. When a socialite is murdered at a high-society party and a fortune in jewels goes missing, the charming rogue must clear his own name while solving the case. With a sharp script full of snappy dialogue, clever misdirection, and an ensemble of suspects who each have something to hide, the film is a polished entry in Columbia’s beloved mystery series. This professionally colorized version brings the glamorous mystery to vivid new life. Buy your colorized copy today for €15.00 and own this entertaining classic movie in color.

Plot Summary

Michael Lanyard, the Lone Wolf (Warren William), is enjoying his retirement from crime when he receives an invitation to an exclusive society party hosted by the wealthy Mrs. Van Dyne. At the lavish gathering, he meets the strikingly beautiful Patricia Monteith (Marguerite Chapman), whose cool demeanor and sharp wit immediately capture his attention. But the elegant evening takes a deadly turn when one of the guests is found murdered in a darkened study, and a priceless jewel collection — the centerpiece of the evening’s exhibition — vanishes without a trace. The police arrive quickly, led by Inspector Crane (Thurston Hall), who has long suspected Lanyard’s reformation is merely a cover. Naturally, the reformed jewel thief is the prime suspect, given his legendary reputation and the fact that he was seen near the crime scene moments before the body was discovered.

With the help of his loyal and perpetually flustered valet Jamison (Eric Blore), who provides both comic relief and unexpected insight, Lanyard sets out to find the real killer before the police can build their case against him. Patricia, suspicious of Lanyard but increasingly drawn to him, becomes an uneasy ally in his investigation. The guest list provides no shortage of suspects — jealous rivals, scheming socialites (Ann Savage, Mona Barrie, Tala Birell), and shady characters all had both motive and opportunity. As Lanyard navigates the drawing rooms and back alleys of New York society, each clue leads to a new suspect and a fresh twist. The investigation takes him from penthouse apartments to seedy nightclubs, uncovering a web of blackmail and deception that connects the stolen jewels to the murder in ways no one expected. This classic movie is a fast-paced, sophisticated whodunit with Warren William at his suave best, delivering the kind of effortless charm that made the Lone Wolf series a favorite with audiences throughout the 1940s.

Cast & Crew

Director: Michael Gordon

Stars: Warren William, Marguerite Chapman, Eric Blore, Ann Savage, Mona Barrie, Tala Birell, Thurston Hall, Margaret Hayes, Warren Ashe, Fred Kelsey

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This colorized version of One Dangerous Night reveals the opulent party settings, the elegant evening wear, and the shadowy corridors with atmospheric richness that the original black and white photography could only suggest. The glittering jewels at the center of the mystery now sparkle with convincing brilliance, while the luxurious interiors of Manhattan penthouses and the contrasting darkness of nighttime alleyways create a vivid visual tapestry. The professionally colorized restoration brings the women’s glamorous gowns, the rich wood paneling of the mansion, and the tense confrontation scenes to life with frame-by-frame precision. Warren William’s trademark elegance is enhanced by the color treatment, making his suave detective even more visually compelling. Watch this restored classic film in polished, entertaining color. Now also available in colour.

Buy One Dangerous Night in color today for just €15.00. Your DRM-free MP4 download is available for instant access.

Historical Significance

One Dangerous Night is part of Columbia’s popular Lone Wolf series, which ran from 1940 to 1949 and produced fourteen films. Warren William brought effortless charm and sophistication to the role of Michael Lanyard, making the reformed jewel thief one of the most entertaining detective characters of the 1940s. The character, originally created by novelist Louis Joseph Vance in 1914, had been portrayed by several actors before William made the role definitively his own. Eric Blore’s comedic performance as the long-suffering valet Jamison was a highlight of every entry, his exasperated reactions and bumbling attempts at helpfulness providing a perfect counterpoint to William’s cool composure. Director Michael Gordon, who would later helm major Hollywood productions like Pillow Talk (1959), demonstrates a sure hand with the genre’s conventions while keeping the pace brisk and the wit sharp. The film also features early work by Ann Savage, who would achieve cult fame two years later in the noir classic Detour (1945). The colorization adds visual elegance to this polished mystery, highlighting the contrast between high society glamour and the dark undercurrents of crime.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD restored
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: Original mono restored
• Runtime: Approximately 77 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is this part of the Lone Wolf series?
A: Yes, One Dangerous Night is part of Columbia’s popular Lone Wolf mystery series starring Warren William. It is one of fourteen Lone Wolf films produced between 1940 and 1949.

Q: Who created the Lone Wolf character?
A: The Lone Wolf character of Michael Lanyard was created by novelist Louis Joseph Vance in his 1914 novel. The character appeared in films, radio shows, and a television series, but Warren William’s portrayal in the 1940s Columbia series remains the most beloved.

Q: Is this the complete version?
A: Yes, this is the full 1943 theatrical release presented in its colorized version.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: DRM-free MP4, compatible with virtually any device or media player.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: €15.00 for instant download. The colorization process ensures every scene looks stunning in color.

Q: Can I watch on multiple devices?
A: Absolutely. The file is DRM-free, so you can watch on your TV, tablet, phone, or computer.

Related Colorized Classics

• This Gun for Hire (1942)
• Charlie Chan at the Race Track (1936)
• The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance (1941)
• The Scarlet Clue (1945)
• The Four Skulls of Jonathan Drake (1959)