The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery (1950): Cast & Plot
The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery is a 1950 crime comedy directed by Paul L. Stein, starring Meadows White as Frederick 'Ricky' Tavey (uncredited), Robert Beatty and Rona Anderson. It runs 1 hour 35 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 35m (95 min)
- Director
- Paul L. Stein
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Pax Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery About?
The premise of The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
The plot centers on the radio panel show “Twenty Questions,” where the contestants receive an anonymous clue. The solution triggers a rash of murders, as the killer uses the broadcast to announce his future victims. Two reporters discover the connection and, with the panel’s help, set a trap in a tense cat‑and‑mouse game to catch the murderer.
The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery Themes & Keywords
· 19 tags- questions on the radio
- ringing telephone
- ambulance
- newspaper man
- interview
- fleet street
- hanging judge
- another murder
- newspaperwoman
- coincidence
- murder send question to the radio program
- theory about the murder
+7 more Show fewer
- scotland yard investigation
- barrister asking for police protection
- attempt to kill newspaperwoman
- butler from india
- butler disappeared
- indian butler arrested
- murder
The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery Cast & Characters
Meadows White leads the cast as Frederick 'Ricky' Tavey (uncredited), with Robert Beatty as Bob Beacham and Rona Anderson as Mary Game. Directed by Paul L. Stein; 24 actors are credited in all.
- Director Paul L. Stein
- Meadows White as Frederick 'Ricky' Tavey (uncredited)
- Robert Beatty as Bob Beacham
- Rona Anderson as Mary Game
- Homi Bode as Mohammed Ali
Also Starring in The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery
· 20 more- Harold Scott Maurice Emery KC
- Clifford Evans Tom Harmon
- John Salew John Grimshaw
- Wally Patch Police Officer 'Tiny' White
- Kynaston Reeves Gen. Maitland
- Frederick Leister Police Commissioner
- Liam Redmond Echo News editor
- Gordon McLeod Record News editor
- Edward Lexy Det. Insp. Charlton
- Merle Tottenham Mrs. Tavy's Neighbour (uncredited)
- Olga Lindo Olive Tavy
- Arthur Young Doctor
- Jeanne De Casalis Themselves
- Jack Train Themselves
- Richard Dimbleby Themselves
- Philip King Cheshire Cheese waiter
Show all 24 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Stewart MacPherson Themselves
- Daphne Padel Themselves
- Norman Hackforth Themselves
- Sonya O'Shea Stewart MacPherson's secretary
More from Paul L. Stein
More films directed by Paul L. Stein: The Saint Meets the Tiger, Poison Pen, Mimi and Blossom Time.
The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery Plot Summary
What happens in The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Outside the Paris cinema, a queue forms as people wait for entry, while inside a BBC studio used for radio recordings and broadcasts a live audience settles in. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as the Twenty Questions panel show is recorded, its usual fast pace and wry banter filling the room.
In the opening sequence, the first item guessed is the curious phrase pig’s ear, which sails through without issue. But when the panel faces the second item, Rikitikitavi, a Rudyard Kipling short story, the moment becomes a test of memory, deduction, and teamwork. The team threads their clues together and, after a tense final attempt, they arrive at the correct answer.
Full summary
The whole story of The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the BBC commissionaire who confronts Mary with unsettling revelations?
Seen The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery?
Movies Like The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Mystery Broadcast, Murder by Television and Murder by Death.
The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery FAQ: Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery?
The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery runs 1 hour 35 minutes (95 minutes).
When was The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery released?
The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery was released on January 31, 1950.
Who directed The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery?
The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery was directed by Paul L. Stein.
More films by Paul L. Stein Who is in the cast of The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery?
The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery stars Meadows White as Frederick 'Ricky' Tavey (uncredited), Robert Beatty as Bob Beacham and Rona Anderson as Mary Game, among 24 credited actors.
Does The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery have a post-credit scene?
No. The Twenty Questions Murder Mystery has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
