As I watched this film I thought that "The Longest Night" was an incredibly short film, and indeed, it is apparently the shortest feature film MGM ever made. Nevertheless, it is an entertaining little murder mystery that's well worth a watch of under one hour.There is a problem here, however. The director and writers tried to make a film that was both a mystery AND a comedy. There are elements of both here, but it's a mix that doesn't quite work. They might better have made a mystery OR a comedy. There are fine comedy bits here, as well as fine dramatic moments, but they don't mesh.The performances, however, are quite good. Robert Young may be the only person in the film you readily know, and he is quite good here. And although you won't probably know many of the other actors is this B film, you'll recognize many of them. Two are worth mentioning, albeit in a negative sense. Did either Ted Healy (earlier associated with The Three Stooges") or Sidney Toler (of Charlie Chan fame) actually have any acting ability????? I guess this sounds like a negative review, although I don't mean it to be. This was an entertaining film...and a little different...and worth watching with a t.v. tray and dinner in front of the television. But just once.

Department store owner Robert Young (as Charles "Charley" Phelps Jr.) arrives to consider selling his asset, then stumbles upon a strangulation victim. He orders a lockdown and cooperates with lawmen Sidney Toler and Ted Healy. Connected to the victim is pretty Florence Rice (as Joan Sutton), who provides Mr. Young with romance. She is the sister of beautiful Julie Haydon (as Eve), who helps boyfriend Leslie Fenton (as Carl Briggs) rob a warehouse in the opening sequence. All are suspects, some are victims. "The Longest Night" is so short you don't have time to wonder who may be guilty.**** The Longest Night (10/2/36) Errol Taggart ~ Robert Young, Florence Rice, Sidney Toler, Julie Haydon

This is a fairly entertaining programmer featuring Robert Young in his early screen career. He is again teamed with Florence Rice, an up and coming actress who never quite made it in the big times, though she showed potential. Of interest is Ted Healy as Police Sergeant Magee (yes, another dumb detective/policeman role). Healy was the comic responsible for introducing The Three Stooges to the world. That may be a blessing or a curse depending on how much you like Moe, Larry, and Curly."The Longest Night" is a compact comedy thriller with the entire story taking place on one night (hence the title) at one location, a department store, except for the opening sequence which takes place on the street. Sidney Toler, in his pre-Charlie Chan days, has the meaty part of Captain Holt, the one in charge of the investigation when a murder occurs in the store. The cast includes an assortment of character actors including the often corny Olin Howland as a floorwalker.Thought there is much attempt at humor, most of it is lame by today's standards. Many of the supposedly funny lines fall flat; even the slapstick seems forced. This film would have played better with less comedy and more thrills and chills.Taken as a short murder mystery, "The Longest Night" works. Taken as a comedy, it falls on its tush.

I have to say that I really enjoyed this film. I generally don't go for old movies, especially those in black and white, but this one really caught my attention. I found this film entertaining even though it seemed like some issues were left unresolved, but all in all it was definitely worth watching. It also ended the way I wanted it to, which is a plus!