For Every Good Thing in this Remake from Director William "One Shot" Beaudine, there are Bad Things that Make it a Tough Watch. The Monogram Studio was Known for its Low Rent Productions and Often Hid that Shortcoming with Darkness. But Beaudine, Unfortunately, One of the Most Prolific Directors Ever, was No Val Lewton.So the Mystery Element is Succinct with its Foreboding Look and Musty Surroundings but is Negated by the God-Awful Comedy Relief that is so Prevalent, this Must be Called a Mystery-Comedy. Even the Masked Killer, while Looking Ominous behind the Peep Hole, is "Overshadowed" by the Goofiness of the "Sleeping Detective".Overall, if Lowbrid Compilations of Inept Slapstick and Silliness Mixes Well with Your Mystery Movie Input, then Have at it. But Most Viewers will Find this Dated and Dumb with Only a Smattering of Interest Interspersed Among the Shenanigans.Note...To this Day no one has uncovered the "Thirteenth Guest", and the identity remains a "Mystery".

Like some of the other reviewers, I agree this was a bad, poorly made movie. The story line is good, but the comedic spots seem out of place in what appears to be a dramatic story. I would have liked to have seen a list of the full cast as I enjoy looking up what other films the actors have done. For instance, the child actor who portrayed young Bud also portrayed young George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life". Interestingly enough, the goofy cop in this movie played the taxi driver in "It's a Wonderful Life". I found the portrayal of the valet in very poor taste and offensive. I know African American actors had little choice in their roles at the time, so I don't blame the actor, but the writer, director and producer. I'm looking forward to viewing the other movie version with Ginger Rogers. It can't be this bad. Oh my!

This is a neat B thriller which rises above its Z grade studio. Even for a remake, this complex thriller remains fresh and entertaining today. There is something to be said for one-shot only director William Beaudine's method in many of his films and here, the actors all meet the challenge. The pace is quick, the dialog crisp and the low-budget pretty much hidden thanks to professional technical work. Yes, it lacks the polish of the major studios as well as a well-known cast, but what it lacks on that front, it makes up for in fun.The original film ("The Thirteenth Guest") starred a young Ginger Rogers in the dual role of a young heiress and an impostor. This version puts Helen Parrish in those parts as she recalls a dinner party from 13 years before where her Grandfather Morgan made an announcement regarding the future of his estate before dying. The Morgans are indeed a greedy bunch, and before the night is over, a few of them will be joining their grandfather in the family crypt.The plot certainly was not an original one but twists and turns in the plot, a great deal of humor and the quick pace makes this even better than the original. Adapter Tim Ryan also plays the detective and is also remembered as the husband and vaudeville partner of Irene Ryan, T.V.'s Granny.

A little moody with an atmosphere accentuated with shadows. This mystery is based on a novel by Armitage Trail and directed by William Beaudine. This mystery from Monogram is definitely a cut above the typical B-movie of the early 40's. Family and friends wait for 13 years to hear a will to be read. Where there is the thought of money; murder is one solution of getting greed out of the way and getting one step closer to a possible fortune. A wisecracking Dick Purcell is aided by bumbling Frank Faylen in the investigation of dirty deeds going on. Helen Parrish actually carries the movie reprising the role played by Ginger Rogers in 1932. Thirteen guests in a dimly lighted mansion and plenty of suspense. Other players include: John Duncan, Cyril Ring, Addison Richards, Tim Ryan and Jacqueline Dalya.