For the defense

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Movie
Original title For the defense
Country of production United States
original language English
Publishing year 1930
length 65 minutes
Rod
Director John Cromwell
script HP Garrett ,
Charles Furthman
production David O. Selznick for Paramount Pictures
camera Charles Lang
cut George Nichols Jr.
occupation

For the Defense is an American feature film with the on-screen couple William Powell and Kay Francis , directed by John Cromwell . The film is loosely based on the career of the then famous criminal defense attorney William J. Fallon, also known as "The Great Mouthpiece".

action

William Foster is a successful criminal lawyer. He has had a violent affair with the famous actress Irene Manners for some time. While Irene would like to get married, William stubbornly refuses to propose to her. To make her lover jealous, Irene plans a little intrigue in which she enlists the help of Defoe, a wealthy playboy. The attempt fails, however, and in the end Irene causes a traffic accident in which a passerby is killed. Defoe takes the blame and although William Foster defends him, the trial threatens to end with Defoe's conviction. Immediately before the jury deliberates, Foster learns that the real guilty party is Irene. He loses his nerve and tries to blackmail one of the jurors. The District Attorney reveals the whole matter, in the course of which Foster is convicted of attempted bribery. Irene promises to wait for William.

background

Kay Francis , who was under contract with Paramount since 1929 , was initially only seen in supporting roles as a vamp or amoral woman of better society. Despite her mostly short appearance, she became popular with female viewers, not least thanks to her ability to exude calm and self-control even in disturbing emotional moments. In addition, Francis had the ability to present extravagant wardrobes with naturalness. It was David O. Selznick who discovered that Kay Francis could also play a leading role. He first brought her to the screen in Street of Chance with William Powell , an actor whose career did not develop in the way he wanted with the advent of talkies . The film was a surprising commercial success, and Selznick planned to make a screen couple out of the two . For the Defense was shot in just 17 days and proved to be a hit at the box office. The open portrayal of the relationship between William and Irene, who have a relationship without a marriage license, was typical of the rather lax adherence to censorship regulations before the Production Code came into force in mid-1934.

The film is based on some events in the life of the then famous criminal defense lawyer William J. Fallon, also known as The Great Mouthpiece . His clients included many celebrities of the time as well as a number of members of the organized crime scene. One of his clients was the professional player Arnold Rothstein , whose life vaguely inspired the film Street of Chance . In 1924, a scandal over suspected jury influence ended his career, at the height of which Fallon delivered a bitter legal battle with media mogul William Randolph Hearst . The film was one of the first productions to deal with the sometimes controversial methods of star lawyers, whose legal tricks often led to acquittals, even if there was clear evidence.

criticism

In Hollywood Daily Citizen particularly Kay Francis was highly praised.

"Kay Francis is interesting and varied in her portrayal of an actress."

The Los Angeles Illustrated News found very polite words for the female star:

"Miss Francis, remembered for her impressive work in 'Street of Chance' [..] makes a good impression again."

The New York Times was also impressed by the film and its cast:

"For the Defense" [..] is basically a New York movie [..] with a daily storyline and good actors that is way better than most other movies that try to show real life. Mr. Powell is good in the role, as is Kay Francis as the client in the case. "

Web links

swell

  • Lynn Kear & John Rossman - Kay Francis: A Passionate Life and Career - McFarland & Company, 2006; ISBN 0-7864-2366-8 .
  • Scott O'Brien - Kay Francis: I Can't Wait to Be Forgotten. Her Life on Stage and Film - BearManor Media, 2006; ISBN 1-59393-036-4 .

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Kay Francis is interesting and varied in her portrayal of the actress.
  2. ↑ Miss Francis, remembered from her effective work in Street of Chance [..] gives good account of herself.
  3. ^ "For the Defense" [..] is essentially a New York picture [..] there is a story present and a good deal of acting that is better and more appropriately attuned to life than most. Mr. Powell carries his role well, as does Kay Francis as the lady of the case.