Spotlight on a Murderer (1961)

In the twilight of his life and with a mischievous glint in his eye, Count Hervé de Kéraudren discovers his mortality is nearing its end. Choosing to add a devilish twist to his impending demise, he conceals himself in a hidden alcove within his ancestral estate, determined to die in secret and disrupt the inheritance plans of his money-hungry heirs. His clever stratagem means his body remains elusive, forcing his heirs into a frustrating five-year wait before they can lay claim to his fortune, all while maintaining the grandeur of the Kéraudren estate. Driven by desperation and the need for funds, the count's nephews and nieces devise a plan to host a grand Son et Lumière spectacle at the manor, its grandiosity a perfect distraction from their clandestine search for the elusive corpse. However, as the estate comes alive with light and sound, a chilling sequence of events unfolds. One by one, the heirs meet with uncanny accidents, their numbers dwindling in a macabre dance of death. Are these mere accidents, or is a darker force at play? Enter Jean-Marie, an heir engaged to the fiery Micheline, and his astute cousin Edwige. Unraveling the mystery becomes their mission, their search for the truth as relentless as their pursuit of the missing count. As they delve deeper, secrets are unearthed, and the line between friend and foe blurs. Just when all hope seems lost, an unexpected discovery brings an end to the chaos, restoring a semblance of normality. But at what cost? The haunting tale of 'Spotlight on a Murderer' weaves a rich tapestry of intrigue, suspense, and dark humor, leaving its audience on the edge of their seats.

Spotlight on a Murderer is a drama movie featuring Pierre Brasseur and directed by Georges Franju.

Spotlight on a Murderer is currently streaming on ARROW.