Who Killed Gail Preston?

Rita Hayworth plays the title role. She is a singer at a club and we are introduced to a cast of characters, all of whom have reason to see her bumped off. After her second performance on stage, this is exactly what happens. Bang! We now have a mystery. Whodunnit?

Rita Hayworth plays a horrible big-headed singing star who is full of her own self-importance. No surprise that she gets killed. Apart from her, the cast don't really stand out and the film gets a bit boring once the investigation starts.

There are a couple of good things in this film. The film opens with a memorable tap routine by four black performers in jailbird outfits. It's the most entertaining part of the film, and disgracefully, these guys aren't even listed in the credits! The second good thing about the film is the idea of having a prison themed nightclub. The orchestra musicians and waitresses are dressed in prison costumes, the compere talks to guests as if they are criminals and insults them, and there are cells that guests can book for the night as opposed to booths. It looks great fun. Unfortunately, the film loses interest in parts.