1932 pre-code Hollywood Legal Crime Drama about ethical quandaries faced by a rising young prosecutor Vince Day, a big city District Attorney, played by actor //arren WI££I/M who decides to become a defense attorney. The film follows the exploits of a lawyer who begins his career with good intentions and a bright insouciance, but takes an eventual slide down a slippery slope of moral turpitude in the pursuit of court room victories & hung juries for increasingly disreputable clientele.
At one point, heavy drinking attorney Day, ensconced in a bar room, says of his court room style: “Sensationalism. Ballyhoo. Barnum and Bailey. Give ’em a three-ring circus and toss in a little Houdini on the side. Give ’em a swell show and they won’t even stop to think.”
This classic black & white film also stars Sidney Fox as Southern accented love interest Celia Farraday, and Aline MacMahon as long suffering loyal secretary Miss Hickey. This story was loosely based on an actual infamous lawyer of the early 20th century, Fordham law graduate William Joseph Fallon, who represented many pimps, gangsters and a total of 120 homicide suspects who all escaped the electric chair with the help of “The Great Mouthpiece”.
Directed by James Flood & Elliott Nugent
Screenplay: Joseph Jackson (screenplay); Earl Baldwin (adaptation & dialogue); Frank J. Collins (stage play)
Cinematography: Barney McGill
Art Direction: Esdras Hartley
Film Editing: George Amy
remaining cast :
Johnny Morris . . . . . William Janney
Mr. Barton . . . . . John Wray
Gladys . . . . . Polly Walters
J. B Roscoe . . . . . Ralph Ince
Elaine . . . . . Mae Madison
Miss DeVere . . . . . Noel Francis
E.A Smith . . . . . Morgan Wallace
Bartender . . . . . Guy Kibbee
Tony . . . . . J. Carroll Naish
Forbes . . . . . Walter Walker
Garland . . . . . Jack LaRue
Mr. Pondapolis . . . . . Stanley Fields
Jarvis . . . . . Murray Kinnell
Wilson . . . . . Emerson Tracey
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Much obliged for this one. Had heard of it a several years ago and it just didn't seem to turn up anywhere. Look forward to putting this on…
Wonderful! Thought i knew of all WW movies on youtube, but apparently not. If you know of any other hidden ones, please advise
Thanks, it is nice to see Warren Williams in his element and I like the ending, leaving it for the audience to decide. Always good to see the unsung Aline McMahon, precursor to Eve Arden in slinging those one liners.
"A bright insouciance" was Warren Wm.'s zone. Thanks!
A very blonde Paulette Goddard at 40:35–41:59!
Warren Williams really reminds me of John Barrymore. The resemblance is uncanny. Mannerisms as well. Barrymore played characters with more conscience.
Enjoyed this film. Was nice to see the early '30's Warner Brothers players again. Must say this print looked like a kinescope – one that someone recorded via their cable TV system.
warren william….. hollywoods best kept secret!
A versatile player at drama, and light comedy.
A real star!
A wonderful book about a modern corrupt lawyer is "Wilkes, the man and his crimes".
Wonderful, wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing!
Within the first 2 minutes it reminds me of Illegal starring Edward G. Robinson. Another great, will continue to watch. I like William Warner.
Excellent
"I'M JUST LIKE THAT"
The film is based on a real-life lawyer.
The lawyer's family sued Warner Brothers but lost.
Tony
Warren William was so good in that role! I always call him the poor man's Barrymore, but it's not really an insult. William was always a great actor.
The great Warren William, always dignified and entertaining. Pre-codes are the best!
Always my favorite of the early 30s leading men, especially without the mustachios.
: ) Thanks
At the end of the 'blackleg lawyer' affair, notice how Smith leaves the evidence of his part in the crime safe in the hands of the DA.
There are mouthpieces for everyone in our American legal system.