Just Before Dawn 1946 / William Castle

Movie Description
Title: Just Before Dawn
Year: 1946
Type: Public Domain
Quality: Other
Resolution: 640 x 480
Director: William Castle
Stars: Warner Baxter, Adele Roberts, Martin Kosleck
→ IMDB:
www.imdb.com/title/tt0038665
→ Watch next [Crime Doctor's Man Hunt 1946 / William Castle][#7]:
• Crime Doctor's Man Hun...

[@goldabernstein1215]

I remember seeing photos of my parents from the early 50s. Even though Dad was a mechanic and we didn't have a lot of money, when they went out, Dad wore a suit, tie, hat, and dress shoes and mom wore a nice dress, pumps and a necklace. Now, people dress like they're going to scrub toilets.

[@leelarson107]

I was born in 1943, and contrary to a lot of people my age, I was familiar with 'old movies' and the cast as well. When my father----a commercial artist who had had contacts with Hollywood types years before-----would tell me about this or that actor, I often had a clear idea of what he meant. Warner Baxter was one of the many people I heard about, and I always appreciated his performances.

[@garywilloughby6893]

I was born in December 43.. so pre-baby boom. I feel like I'm 36 but have to remember how old I really am I am still teaching.

[@CissyBrazil]

I was born in 46. I’ve heard of Warner Baxter of course, but not this series. I’m binge watching them in order! Love these!

[@TK-jc9by]

I was born in September 1944 so understand how the rest of you feel. My mother told me about movies and movie stars of the 1940s - especially the war years. We watched many reruns together on our old black & white TV in the 50s. I'm happy I found these online.

[@donaldwhittaker7987]

I am 1954

[@winonamassingill7895]

I was born September 10th 1944. Today is Tuesday 2023 so Sunday will be the 10th and I will be 79 years old. My half brother and I are the only living Robertson children of our family. I’ll be 79 on Sunday and my half brother is 96 and his wife is 97. 🎂🎂🎂

[@Catquick1957]

Whoever reproduced this from the original print did a bang up job. It looks like it was freshly filmed.

[@voiceover-impressionist]

Such a treat to watch the classics of an America that was truly Great and Independent!

[@TheRoadDawg]

The Doctor’s blunt, pushy, direct approach, without quite being rude, is admirable. That’s a quality I always wish I had. Through the years, I’ve dealt with so many people, in business as well as my personal life, who seem to say pretty much anything they want, many times being flat out rude or insulant, but never called out on it. All the while it seems I’ve walked on egg shells, my entire life, trying to always be considerate and not say anything discourteous, unflattering, or offensive. The odd thing is that the same people I first described are also the first ones to take offense or call me out on the slightest perceived impertinence when there was none or, at least, none intended. Despite my ramblings, I hope someone understands what I’m trying to say. Basically I find the most offensive people are also the most easily offended. Relating to the movie itself, I admire the script Writers, William Castle’s direction, and/or Warner Baxter’s ability to deliver many of his lines in such a direct, yet inoffensive manner. It’s clearly an intentional characterization of Doctor Ordway’s mannerism and method of soft but effective persuasion.

[@neilputland9407]

Your find they are the shallow ones treading on shrapnel instead of eggshells inside.

[@TheRoadDawg]

@@neilputland9407 That actually made me feel better about Not being one of those people, I appreciate it! I can certainly see what you are describing, just wasn’t quite sure! Regards!

[@Francine01946]

This is such a gem series I don’t want to finish them because they have good scripts, good acting and a perfect amount of drama.

[@goldabernstein1215]

I wish television series had great plots, great scripts, and great acting like in these old movies. I think they would go over well.

[@robertwalker5521]

I would have agreed until I spent ten minutes viewing Tik Tok, Rap attack and multitudes of Female obese butts ......all is gone...

[@paulstark6818]

Absolute marsterpiecce thank you for these movies ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@do-re-me-fa3258]

Now that is real detective work that Dr. Ordway does a good job. This is my first time ever watching Dr. Ordway’s movie and it won’t be my last. Thanks for sharing. DDC.👍🏼👍🏼

[@lasramm1]

This series is such great entertainment. Incomparable to the present offerings. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@marciatrapuzzano8742]

This Crime Doctor series is the bomb! What a cool series. So glad I found the entire series. Enjoyed the acting. Great stuff.

[@SSGTA440]

I LOVE the guy on the stationary bike smoking a cigar......priceless.....

[@jacquelinejanz8466]

Ha! He’s getting nowhere fast!

[@kimmccabe1422]

🚬 .. Love Mr.Baxter, such a gent.

[@sandybecerra310]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@tomdooley4226]

I do that all the time. 🚲

[@Jane-nc2fr]

Of course everybody smoked then. Doesn’t Matter cause they didn’t know about the dangers of smoking or didn’t care.

[@chergui77]

Thank you DDC for posting all of these "Crime Doctor" movies. It's great entertainment from a bygone era and certainly beats anything on American TV these days (2023). BTW: Does anyone else recognize Casper, played by Marvin Miller, as the character Michael Anthony from the anthology TV show, "The Millionaire"? The show aired on CBS from 1955-1960. Miller's character, Michael Anthony, was the executive secretary of an extremely wealthy man, who gave Mr Anthony a million dollar check to take to a fictitious individual in each weekly episode. The recipient of the check was always played by a well-known or up-and-coming star. I remember watching this show with my dad when I was a little girl.

[@terrymoore5000]

I am so pleased 😄 to be watching all these old movies I didn't think we're still being played 👍 Awesome 😊💕

[@Alan-rh1el]

I found this one to be one of the best of the series I now have two more to go and will miss The Crime Doctor when i have watched them.When i was younger my Dad used to tell me about The Whistler so might try that next. Thanks for posting.

[@chirellealanalooney7895]

Alan.... Oh and don't forget to look up "The Shadow". Who knows, The Shadow Knows. Did your dad ever mention about The Shadow? The Whistler is a really great one too! I love both of them. Also is "The Adventures of Philip Marlowe". Please check this one out too if you can.. Happy 4th of July to you!!!!

[@naguerea]

Thanks for the tip, Alan..... Dave

[@robertwalker5521]

The LONE WOLF is probably better.

[@Alan-rh1el]

@@robertwalker5521 Watched The Lone Wolf films as well and enjoyed them but then found the Michael Shayne films starring Lloyd Nolan which are also worth a look.

[@robertwalker5521]

The LONE WOLF starting Walter William is great. More humor added to those

[@stevehoffman9735]

That was much better than I would have imagined. So nice to have a high fidelity soundtrack in a 1940's movie for a change. Thanks !

[@gailjarvis2592]

Warner Baxter was remarkable. So congenial. What I love about this "series" is that each is a film unto itself. You don't have to associate Dr. Ordway with any other characterization in another series film. Wonderful movie. Dialogue is so lacking in cliche's - the scriptwriter inserts so many interspersed comments and actions. - A graceful, scary, and upsetting movie for me....the elements of horror r/t the two women. So subtle and so surprising...Watch this movie!

[@keithharvey7230]

Warner won an Oscar as the Cisco Kid in In old Arizona in 1929.He was Hollywood's top money Warner

[@keithharvey7230]

Top money maker in 1936.Despite a declining career,he had a loyal following and died of bronchial pneumonia in 1951.

[@sharpear1031]

I have been discovering them. I wonder if what you mentioned may have come from Wm. Castle, the director. He directed other scary films.

[@tomdooley4226]

Ok, I will! Right now!

[@bernardkroeger4045]

Yes, I enjoyed this one. Thank you. It's great how other 'familiar' faces pop up.

[@rext8949]

Baxter's Ordway is tailor made - just what the doctor ordered. Black and white makes this perfect. It's really a pleasure to see all props of that era including the hats and cars.

[@lillianbellanceau310]

I love all the Crime Doctor movies. I wish there were more...I can't get enough!

[@peterpiper7441]

This is the first time I've seen anyone use the subjunctive mode correctly in about 20 years.

[@ccammor8474]

Perfect entertainment for a rainy Saturday

[@spacies8882]

funny you say that , coz it is saturday and it is raining

[@gregorymcleod1347]

I love these Crime Doctor movies .... they are very enjoyable and entertaining movies!❤

[@dannebonaparte2213]

Holy smokes! What a terrific movie!!!!

[@debradorfman7940]

Loved this movie. Movies with the 1940's vibe are my favorites. I would see them on T.V. as a kid.

[@robertlear9168]

Great movies thanks for posting tham

[@damienpepper2254]

5:00 - the speed of this guy's recovery is fantastic, I'm type 1 diabetic and wish the medicine they give us now, was even half as good as this old stuff appears to be. Just jesting, this isn't a criticism, I love these Crime Doctor films, I just wish there were lots more of them to watch, than exist. Much thanks for posting them, I really appreciate them, cheers.

[@charlesroberts8242]

Totally enjoyable. I can die happy now! 😊. No! Cant die till i see more of the Crime Doctor!❤

[@cathyclose3698]

Love these old black-and-white movies!

[@chirellealanalooney7895]

These series are totally addicting or habit inducing. Ha ha ha ha. I'm serious!! I no sooner finish one, then I'm off to another to check it out and get totally into. I just love Warner Baxter too! What a handsome man!

[@Olegzyan]

People back then got style!

[@adrianovasconcelos2739]

Thanks for posting. Good episode involving Dr Ordway and the incomparable Warner Baxter. The women, the cars, even B pic phtography above average, further buoyed by incisive and occasionally humorous, dialogue. Well worth spending 66 minutes on!

[@lizdoyle7158]

EXCELLENT FABOULOUS AWESOME movie a must see

[@edgardopaulique8916]

LOVE THIS CLASSIC MYSTERY THRILLER TO THE MAX , I WISH THERE ARE MORE OF THESE !!!

[@luckybaring3907]

Fantastic, all series are Gems. 🙏

[@eckankar7756]

CRIME DOCTOR was a radio play series that ran from 1940 to 1947. The story of crime doctor is about a criminal named Phil Morgan, who lost his memory due to severe blows in his head. He then created a new identity as Doctor Robert Ordway. His main job is to explain the faults the criminals had done in order to get caught. On radio, Ray Collins, House Jameson, Everett Sloane, and John McIntire played the role of Phil Morgan/ Dr. Robert Ordway while Warner Baxter was the one who played the role in the film.

[@Lynoreprice]

Interesting. Thx for the info!

[@mishrakaushik1]

Phil Morgan and he is no saint. Truth can be bitter. Crime Doctor was a criminal himself.

[@sammyh333]

a delight so well written n the cast thumbs up

[@gus3247365]

I'll be sad when there are no more of these films posted .. They are just too good to miss

[@monicamarino2122]

What a great movie a lot of twists and turns I would’ve never suspected it was him

[@sandraoss326]

I really like these movies I hope there is more. TY for sharing.

[@josesousa2688]

Good evening from Portugal ! Thank you very much ! Muito obrigado ! Priceless movies ! When cinema was real art, real emotion, real suspense, real mystery... The script was something !!!! Merry Christmas and Happy New year ! 👍

[@cheirepurgason6404]

Thanks so much!!! So much better than the news today!

[@sheristewart3940]

Wow, what a denouement! Perfect for a preparation day's afternoon rest. Thanks for uploading this gem!

[@AstralPixie]

I'm enjoying the "Crime Doctor" series. This is an especially creepy, scary episode. Spoiler: Being stuck in a Morgue... Oh my gosh.. and the twist with the radio announcement!

[@sherrycambridge1531]

Got me skeert ta daith !!

[@tpe54]

10:58 smoking a cigar on the bike machine LOL The dialogue is very theatrical but watchable..thanks

[@waderaney7]

Another great deal of this good 🎥 in a clear print😉

[@janupczak1643]

Thank you so very much for these uploads! I sure am enjoying them...❤❤❤

[@blodwyndavies6395]

Enjoyable. Thanks for uploading.

[@1949LA-ARCH]

Thank you for sharing this series, I am hooked !

[@jacquelinejanz8466]

By gone days

[@missmaggie2620]

I've been binge-watching!. This is a great series & thank you for your effort

[@jacquelinejohnson9600]

Am hooked, following each episode, THANK YOU

[@jacquelinejanz8466]

I understand I’m so hooked, as well. ♥️♥️

[@jacquelinejanz8466]

Happy 2022 !

[@archnof0]

Wow this plot really moved! I have listened to a few of the old time radio episodes of the crime doctor

[@jacquelinejanz8466]

Moved forward

[@stewartmoore6981]

Really enjoyed this Crime Doctor story. A few surprises along the way. Thanks for sharing... Next...

[@jacquelinejanz8466]

That’s right Better to say it in the moment!!

[@blancatirado576]

Thanks for posting this video is great

[@susancooper8712]

A very original story plot.. good clear copy and kept you interested all the way through! Would certainly recommend this to others!

[@MaryJReyes]

D D i like your choice in movies thanks.

[@jacquelinejanz8466]

Mary J. Reyes You’re right to voice your approval. People need encouragement. Blessings to you.

[@stephaniehand503]

Love these great movies.

[@henryathurmanjr]

God has given you one face, and you make yourself another. William Shakespeare.

[@jacquelinejanz8466]

Such a quandary To use an alias or not to use an alias It isn’t always safe But stark honesty may be HIS will HE will make a way where there seems to be no way.

[@jacquelinejanz8466]

Stick with Gods word

[@giraffebecky]

This movie is WONDERFUL and THANK YOU for uploading it for us to watch! (I just HAD to make sure to throw out some APPRECIATION after the long-ass complaint about closed captions I just posted - which was meant for KZbin, not "D D C"!....)

[@SuperIliad]

Just Before Dawn, released 7 March 1946 (USA). Warner Baxter as Dr. Robert Ordway; Adele Roberts (as Adelle Roberts) as Claire Foster; Martin Kosleck as Karl Ganss; Mona Barrie as Harriet Travers; Marvin Miller as Casper; Charles D. Brown as Insp. Burns; Robert Barrat (as Robert H. Barrat) as Clyde Travers; Charles Arnt as Attorney Allen S. Tobin; Egon Brecher as Dr. Evans; Peggy Converse as Connie Day; Jack Deery, Party Guest; Byron Foulger as Harris (Makeup Man); Wilton Graff as Alexander 'Alec' Girard; Ted Hecht as Armand Morcel; Thomas E. Jackson as Walter Cummings; Skelton Knaggs as Louie; Charles Lane as Dr. Steiner; George Meeker as Walter Foster; Craig Reynolds as Jack; Walter Soderling, Tobin's Servant; Brick Sullivan, Policeman; Irene Tedrow as Nurse Florence White; Eric Wilton, Party Guest.

[@danielstanwyck2812]

? yes, and so? we know all that from the cast list and imdb

[@AstralPixie]

eyeholmes: Charles Lane is a recognizable face. He was terrific as Homer Bedloe on "Petticoat Junction".

[@bigm383]

Thanks, mate, your information is always welcome.

[@SuperIliad]

@Sita Baichoo Since boyood (1940s), my interest in performers tended towards the character actors more than the headliners. I want them to get some credit. They're the mortar that holds together all those fancy stones.

[@deborahlangnese7645]

My mom and I always loved mysteries

[@MichaelGunner123]

My Mother & I both still do.

[@jacquelinejanz8466]

If you know the end, it’s no mystery

[@anthonydubose5779]

The first one to watch. I love these kinds of movies. Thanks for sharing it.

[@sabineeins2651]

His voice as a mafioso - just great!

[@robertbaldwin2281]

Hooked on the crime doctor series too much time on my hands and more rain for a week

[@bigal3617]

thank`s dd enjoyed every bit of it. CHEER`S.

[@jacquelinejanz8466]

🥂🥂🥂

[@sandrarice2069]

Love, love, love the Crime Doctor series!❤ Love Warner Baxter and his acting abilities. Thank you so very much for posting. I thoroughly enjoy this series. Blessings🙏

[@garygallozzi1427]

Thank you😀

[@charlesodell804]

Charles Lane was the police doctor. He had a career that was at least 50 years long. The police detective was in one of the Mister Moto movies. The killer thrown out the window was a killer in one of the Rathbone Sherelock Holmes movies.

[@robertwalker5521]

Terror at Night...or something similar.

[@robertwalker5521]

Killer at Night was all on a train. Handcuffed in the last scene.

[@marks9820]

Terror by Night with Skelton Knaggs

[@pearlbrandwein4731]

I'm a big fan of the Crime Doctor & Warner Baxter in particular. I've sern many of his movies. He started in silents before transitioning into talkies with a brief stint in vaudeville. He made 14 Crime Doctor movies portraying Dr. Robert Ordway between 1941 & 1949. He won the Oscar in 1928 portraying the Cisco Kid in the film, "In Old Arizona" -- the first all-talking western. His frequent complaints of sharing screen time with up & coming actresses, made him difficult to work with resulting in his contractual dismissal until the Crime Doctor series came along. I thought that I had seen all the Crime Doctor movies, but I'm pleasantly surprised to have found one that I had never seen. It's a pretty good little movie. The print is outstanding. When was this print struck? Thanks for the upload.

[@Miriana727]

Thank you

[@Robbi496]

If i was Dr Ordway I would NEED a Counselor after what he has gone through!

[@stevenhamilton5342]

"Dr. Ordway...are you accusing me of murder?" "Oh...don't worry. I'm along way from proving it" Not the most reassuring answer that I've ever heard.

[@jacquelinejanz8466]

No mood to prove While ignoring extraneous details

[@berylbattrick1246]

thank you, good movie.

[@okuradani]

Love the last line!

[@robincarr7065]

I remember when drs woukd come to your house now it's difficult to get their attention in their office

[@marjorjorietillman856]

I’m sure times were much safer in the 40s, but I’m amazed how everybody opens the door without knowing who’s knocking! 😎

[@skeltonknaggs1600]

Great cast

[@girishsavant2302]

Lovely series.

[@LB-px9td]

These movies are really hokey. They are so silly that they are fun. I really am enjoying watching them. Thanks for posting them. I guess this is a take on the thin man movies.

[@ruthmaryrose]

Did anyone else recognize Marvin Miller who starred in the TV series “The Millionaire” in the fifties?

[@robertgraham399]

You have to be old to remember him and the series (I've made it to 75 so far). And Miller played the Bad Guy in this film.

[@nativetxn1]

I remember it very well and watched it religiously. Still watch it occasionally and still love it.

[@anonymousjohnson976]

@@robertgraham399 75 here too. Love the old shows.

[@DmPmRr1959]

Marvin Miller was also the voice of Robby The Robot in Forbidden Planet.

[@keithharvey7230]

I often see the name Marvin Miller but I don't know what he looks like.

[@deborahduthie4519]

Excellent, suspense to the very end.

[@jacquelinejanz8466]

(Unlee you have inside info) A little dove told me

[@JoeCannon1]

Wow this one was so good!!! 👍👍

[@jacquelinejanz8466]

Appear weak when you are strong Appear strong when you are weak Art of War

[@heru-deshet359]

I see Marvin Miller is in this film. I remember him for his role as Michael Anthony, the man who passed out a weekly check from an anonymous rich man on the TV series The Millionaire (1955).

[@DavidRice111]

Prior to that role, he played mostly sinister heavies.

[@keithharvey7230]

I often see the name Marvin Miller but I don't know what he looks like.

[@jacquelinejanz8466]

I remember this series The year surprises me, because if correct, I was only 3 yrs old. Yet my memories of the show and actor are vivid in my memory. (I don’t think they are from re-runs.) Thanks for the info.

[@robertwalker5521]

John Beresford Tipton.

[@echocheck]

It amazes me just how many movies character actor Charles Lane is in. Character actors get much more work than leads.

[@robertwalker5521]

I saw the name SAM KYDD on several movies. ..IMDb it...approx. 300 movie appearances.! He holds the record.

[@johnrudy9404]

Good flick. Always chuckle at their use of the Transatlantic accent. The studios from early on insisted on teaching actors to sound slightly British, but still basically American. Also, no ethnicity of names. All Mayflower stuff. Again, good one!

[@cathy5072]

Great Movie 🎥 🍿

[@thomasknight1190]

Great movie enjoyed it very much

[@footfault]

In the beginning, when the neighbor asks Baxter for help with a sick guest, he doesn't (???) take a black bag with stethoscope, etc., to the patient????? Thank you very much for posting this enjoyable series.

[@andreacameron7813]

You must be new to the series. He is a psychiatrist.

[@footfault]

@@andreacameron7813 No, I'm not new to anything, being older than dirt. Yes, Dr. O. is a psychiatrist, but the neighbor came to get him because her guest had collapsed, not because he had a nervous breakdown. A black bag's usual apparatus seems called for. Very entertaining episodes, these Dr. O. movies!

[@robertwalker5521]

@@footfault He had a pocketful of Tongue Depressors and was sure that would do.

[@andrewfrankovic6821]

GGG's Louise, how bad a shot can someone be? That incident with the lamp just kills me.

[@charlesodell804]

Great film. I binge watched all 10 in the series. One minor problem was in the administering of the poison "insulin". The drug is given subcutaneously, not intravenously.

[@robertwalker5521]

They substituted intravenously because it had all the vowels!...(like : facetiously..AEIOUY)

[@amycarmichael2748]

Good movie!!

[@Carl30442]

In these movies if you call Ordway and have information that can only be delivered in person you will be dead in the next few minutes.

[@andrewfrankovic6821]

That's why these are such white-knucklers.

[@robertwalker5521]

Send him a letter...and don't sign it.

[@aadamtx]

Martin Kosleck as Ganss specialized in portraying evil Nazi officers and spies, after fleeing Germany as the Nazis came to power. Peggy Converse ("Connie") had a long stage career, with over 100 roles to her credit.

[@billfarnsworth7536]

Jolly good show

[@JMorris216]

great movie. nice plot. good ending.

[@heru-deshet359]

Warner Baxter was 57 in this film. Just five years before he passed. He looked great for his age.

[@1949LA-ARCH]

Warner was a heavy cigarette smoker, which is one case for his early death. Sad but true !

[@heru-deshet359]

@@1949LA-ARCH Ciggys, booze, drugs. Always kills them early.

[@patsulek1570]

Yes. He had cancer . Pancreatic cancer . Had extremely bad arthritis . Requested a labotony Drs performed a successful procedure . This was once belived to be a way to control Pain. Although drastic. Also to ease the pain of his cancer.whether it worked or not .There was no reports of it.

[@heru-deshet359]

@@patsulek1570 God bless him.

[@heru-deshet359]

@@patsulek1570 Who said he was old?

[@kbeautician]

This was good.

[@DustyFae]

This was great... really great movie

[@jacquelinejanz8466]

Where did you buy those lashes?

[@jacquelinejanz8466]

Just call me STRANGE

[@jacquelinejanz8466]

Or VIRGIN

[@jimlaguardia8185]

Good movie.

[@sohara....]

Yes. Keeps one guessing!

[@suzannewinz1099]

That last line though! Ha ha ha