Edna May Oliver was actually a rather attractive woman, but in her role as Hildegard Withers, she managed to put on the "horse face" that Stuart Palmer described in his series of books.

Murder on the  Blackboard (1934) with Edna May Oliver as Hildegard Withers, and James Gleason as Inspector Oscar Piper centers on the school where Miss Withers teaches.

Miss Withers discovers the body of music teacher Louise Halloran (Barbara Fritchie) after hours and summons Inspector Piper, but the body disappears before he arrives. The inspector arrests the most likely suspect, Otto (Fredrik Vogeding), the drunken school janitor, but of course there are plenty of other suspects. Jane Davis (Gertrude Michael) is the dead woman’s roommate who bought a winning Irish Sweepstakes ticket with her, Addison Stevens (Bruce Cabot) is Jane’s fiancé and had a tryst with the victim, and School Principal MacFarland (Tully Marshall) seems to flirt with anyone wearing a skirt.

The clues add up quickly, and Miss Withers is right in the thick of things. Edna May Oliver is perfect for the role of Miss Withers, and her little habits make her endearing as the old maid school teacher with attitude. Watch her pull her mouth to the side and sniff when she senses something happening. And look out for that umbrella.

This is most enjoyable, so if you’re looking for fun, stop right here, put up your feet and put on the movie. Keep a bag of pop corn or some chocolate nearby.

The Tall Target (1951)  is based on a true story and stars Dick Powell as New York detective John Kennedy, who discovers a plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln before he assumes office.

No one believes Kennedy’s story so he resigns from his job and boards the Presidential train to try to thwart the plot. Unfortunately, he has no way of knowing whom he can trust. There are plenty of suspects because twenty men, unknown to each other, were heading for Baltimore to assassinate Lincoln. Who would do the dirty deed?

Ginny Beaufort (Paula Raymond) might be able to stop one of the suspects, but will she? And Rachel (Ruby Dee), her slave and friend, adds another element to the story.

When Mrs. Charlotte Alsop (Florence Bates) interviews Rachel, you'll have a little insight into the times. And with a cast including Adolphe Menjou, Will Geer, Marshall Thompson and many others, this is a terrific movie. Dick Powell became my hero after watching this one.

So don’t put that popcorn away. Sit back and enjoy an intense story. I’d never heard this tale and had no idea of this attempt on the future President’s life. The story will draw you in and by the end of the movie you may find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat.

      

If you’re in the mood for a spooky old movie, The Spiral Staircase (1946) with Dorothy McGuire is just the ticket.

This thriller has it all: A dark and stormy night, a spooky old house with an even spookier basement, stepbrothers who despise each other (George Brent and Gordon Oliver), and their bedridden mother (Ethyl Barrymore) who seems to be half crazed. You’ll also find a beautiful secretary (Rhonda Fleming) in this house, along with a kindly handyman (Rhys Williams) and his wife, the cook and housekeeper (Elsa Lanchester) who loves to take a “nip” from time to time. And, lastly but most importantly, you’ll meet Helen, a mute caretaker (Dorothy McGuire) for the elderly mother. Adding just a small touch of romance to the movie, watch for Dr. Parry (Kent Smith) who’s in love with Helen.

An insane killer has been murdering women with afflictions for several years. From a woman with a scarred face to a woman with a limp, this killer has no mercy. I’ve read reviews which called him a “menacing” killer, but he goes far beyond menacing.

This is a psychological thriller you won’t want to miss. You might even forget to eat your buttered popcorn.