because it be release by the premier horror studio universal and focus on an old castle with a spooky room and and feature horror star lionel atwill and secret of the blue room have be market a a horror film throughout the year . it actually a whodunit with horror element that influence but never dominate the film . but it would be close mind to reject this film just because it not a full fledge chiller . secret of the blue room be an enjoyable film that project an air of menace mystery and efficiently move the plot with a palpable suspense until the movie resolution . secret of the blue room benefit from attractive set ( leftover from the old dark house and frankenstein ) that convey an ornate yet forbid castle milieu . director kurt neumann and while no stylist in the james whale vein and effectively utilize the set atmospheric potential . he provide a suitably eerie aura with taste and restraint and avoid obvious stunt like self play piano . such gimmick would damage the film mood and credibility . on the whole and performance be good . the actor and actress provide believable characterization that help propel the plot . particularly impressive be lionel atwill a the castle owner trouble by his estate secret and edward arnold a a detective who handle the castle mystery in a domineering and no nonsense manner . elizabeth patterson be mildly annoy a a terrified maid and but fortunately her performance doesn not affect blue room atmosphere . curiously and a few of the plot riddle remain unexplained at the film end . it would have be logical for universal to provide a sequel with the same fine cast in order to resolve everything . instead and the studio choose to remake the film twice with different performer . but blue room minor plot hole shouldn not detract one from enjoy this well make mystery .