That Czechlosovakian skating bombshell known as Vera Hruba Ralston is headlined in this murder mystery with a skating background, but other than having been in the victim's apartment some hours before and supposedly blackmailed, she really doesn't do much. Along with four other women (Helen Walker, Nancy Kelly, Ann Rutherford and Julie Bishop), she's trying to dig up clues to clear herself, but is definitely guilty of being one of the biggest non-actresses of the 1940's and 1950's, a title that the expanded to of the 20th century as time passed. Husband and Republic studio chief Herbert Yates was the Irving Thalberg to her Norma Shearer, as well as the William Randolph Hearst to her Marian Davies. Unlike Norma and Marian, however, Ralston was never a box office star; In fact, she was rather unpopular, and few of her films are available commercially.Still, no expense was sparred in trying to make her a star, and the budgets of her films are pretty impressive for coming from a second rate studio. This isn't a challenging role for her to play, and when husband Yates insisted on serious roles for his wife, the results are rather laughable. A skating number with her in Roman/Greek costumes is lavish looking but staid. William Marshall is handsome but bland as the beau helping Ralston. The women in the supporting roles come off better, although in these circumstances isn't tough to do.

Please be aware that this film has nothing to do with the Radio City Music Hall! As an archivist re: the Music Hall..I know what is and what is not associated with the New York venue. The film's Theodore is just the "Music Hall." No Rockettes are in the film. Only wonderful ice skaters plus superb actors and fun. Just thought you would like to know. Truly a wonderful film. You will never guess who the 'murderer' is while watching this film....till the very end. What a superb plot and beautiful ice skating. One never sees that kind of performances any more. The Roxy Theater and the Center Theatres, in New York city, had ice skating performances on stage!

Along with virtually every Republic Picture ever made, "Murder in the Music Hall" seems to have undeservably faded into oblivion. A shame, because this lusciously produced, expertly directed and written, and crafty mystery-suspense item spins an enticing whodunnit thriller against the setting of Radio City Music Hall. A murder in one of the building's posh penthouse apartments casts suspicion on the luscious Rockettes--among them, Vera Ralston (who besides giving an appealing performance of subtlety and vulnerablity, provides a few dazzling ice-skating production numbers), Helen Walker, Ann Rutherford, Julie Bishop, and several other delectable B-movie starlets of the '40s. Tall, blond and handsome William Marshall (usually cast in musicals) hunts down the killer as the complex and increasingly creepy plot unfolds, against the swankiest settings you'll ever see in a film noir. The ending is as much of a surprise as is this sadly forgotten, classy murder mystery. Well-worth restoring and reviving on cable-TV, VHS or DVD. Republic sank a hefty budget in this Grade-A production, and "Murder in the Music Hall" is as slick, unnerving, and immensely enjoyable as any of the major studios' films of its era. POSSIBLE SPOILER: Pay attention to the rhapsodic song composed by the victim just before his death. Then, amidst the showgirls' incessant chattering in their dressing rooms, try to pinpoint the one humming that fatal melody. You'll discover who the killer is just as William Marshall does. Grand fun, the kind of movie they truly don't make anymore, and what a loss--both to movie-goers and actors alike.

This movie is up there with "Silver City Kid", "The Phantom Speaks" and "The Blazing Sun" as John English's (I) best features. A classic mystery movie with some brilliant performances, especially from Vera Ralston and Ann Rutherford. It's pretty much your standard mystery story all about being in the wrong place at the right time. Vera Ralston plays the unlucky heroine, accused of a murder she didn't commit or did she......