One Body Too Many (1944)

Albert Tuttle arrives at the Cyrus J. Rutherford estate to sell the millionaire some life insurance. Rutherford is already dead and his heirs have gathered at the mansion to hear the reading of the will. Rutherford's last will and testament won't be read until he is properly entombed and the heirs are forced to stay on the premises or be denied their inheritance. But those who won’t be receiving much know that if they can disrupt the burial, the will can be reversed and they’ll inherit everything. Can Tuttle save the day or will he die trying?           Overall: I ended up with this film as part of a bigger set of many Bela Lugosi films. I doubt I’d have ever watched this otherwise. It’s an amusing film with some funny bits and jokes, which I don’t necessarily want in my horror movies. The film is more of a light mystery than anything and totally under-utilizes Bela Lugosi. And what could be the best part of the plot (everything thinking Tuttle is a private detective hired to guard the body) is disposed of way too fast. It can be slow at times as it builds up the various groups and their motives to disrupt the burial but still remains interesting. But trust me, missing this film won’t be the end of the world for you.           Comparison: Clue meets Ten Little Indians

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