FOR THE DEFENSE

US, 1930, 65 minutes, Black and white.
William Powell, Kay Francis, Scott Kolk, William B.Davidson.
Directed by John Cromwell.

As from the title, this is clearly a film about the law. It is a very early sound film, a stirring vehicle for William Powell could began its silent films but who was to be a strong screen presence for the next 20 years and more. He was well known in the 1930s and 40s for his performances with Myrna Loy, especially in The Thin Man series.

He plays a lawyer, self-confident on the surface, suave in manner, a man about town, the bane of prosecutors and district attorney’s because of his ability to capitalise on defects of prosecution and get his clients of, especially some criminals. There are a number of court scene is to show him in action. He becomes interested in a dancer, played by Kay Francis was to be a strong screen presence during the 1930s. However, she has another suitor, a rich playboy, telling each of them that she wants to marry them.

The core of the film is about her meeting up with the playboy, his drinking, her promising to marry him, their driving, her killing someone on the road, the playboy then taking the blame to protect her. She wants to confess but there are various arguments for and against. The lawyer believes her story but, after she loses the ring he has given her and his is found in the vehicle, he mistrusts her.

However, he decides to protect her and bribes a juror who explains all to the police. Despite her pleading, he declares that he is guilty and goes to prison. She promises to wait for him when he gets out…

The film has the technical limitations of the time, photo angles, sound engineering. However, the direction is effective by John Cromwell at the beginning of a substantial career, and the acting is persuasive and effective.