Murder Reported

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Superficial in its approach and weak in construction, this innocuous thriller loses any opportunities its sordid crime subject might have offered. Nevertheless one must acknowledge in its favour good location photography, crisp dialogue and efficient acting."^[4]

Kine Weekly wrote: "The picture attempts the inconsequential approach to crime, but sadly lacks essential pep and polish. Paul Carpenter is a manly Jeff, and Melissa Stribling displays a certain amount of charm as Amanda, but Peter Swanwick has to show his hand much too early as killer Hatter, and the rest mean little."^[5]

Picture Show wrote: "Well-made crime film starring Paul Carpenter as newspaper reporter who solves several crimes with the aid of his boss's daughter, Amanda, a part which is attractively played by Melissa Stribling. Supporting roles are competently acted and newcomer Yvonne Warren does well as a glamorous barmaid."^[6]

Picturegoer wrote: "By relegating the men in blue to a back seat, the film – despite tolerably good acting – sacrifices credulity and creates more unintentional laughs than intentional thrills. Skip it!"^[7]

Variety wrote: "It's pretty old hat in conception, and there isn't much diverting about its variations. It stacks up as just another feature for double-bill filler and mild even in that classification. ... Performances are adequate although nothing much can be done with the frequently tiresome characters. The picture is exceptionally short (less than an hour), and this, possibly, will be its greatest asset in booking."^[3]

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "mediocre", writing: "Breezily acted but crime drama evokes more laughs than thrills."^[8]

• 'Murder Reported' at IMDb