Guilty Hands (1931)

Richard Grant is a lawyer who believes that murder under certain circumstances is justifiable. Richard's daughter, Barbara, takes her dad to a dinner party hosted by Richard's old friend, ... See full summary »

Director:

W.S. Van Dyke

Writers:

Bayard Veiller (screenplay), Bayard Veiller (story)

Stars:

Lionel Barrymore, Kay Francis, Madge Evans

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Lionel Barrymore	...	Richard Grant
Kay Francis	...	Marjorie West
Madge Evans	...	Barbara 'Babs' Grant
William Bakewell	...	Tommy Osgood
C. Aubrey Smith	...	Reverend Hastings
Polly Moran	...	Aunt Maggie
Alan Mowbray	...	Gordon Rich
Forrester Harvey	...	Spencer Wilson
Charles Crockett	...	H.G. Smith
Henry A. Barrows	...	Harvey Scott (as Henry Barrows)

Storyline

Richard Grant is a lawyer who believes that murder under certain circumstances is justifiable. Richard's daughter, Barbara, takes her dad to a dinner party hosted by Richard's old friend, wealthy playboy, Gordon Rich. Gordon tells Richard that he and Barbara plan to marry. Richard threatens Gordon's life if he marries Barbara. Richard is unaware that Barbara has no plans to marry Gordon, and she's in love with Tommy Osgood. Richard enraged of the thought of Barbara marrying Gordon goes into Gordon's room, undetected, and kills him...Has Richard committed the perfect crime?

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Plot Keywords:

murder | playboy | district attorney | last will and testament | alibi | 

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Taglines:

Mystery... chills... an ending that you'll never guess!

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Genres:

Drama | Crime

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 August 1931 (USA)

Also Known As:

Enoha heria

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

69 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

Although Forrester Harvey is credited onscreen as Spencer Wilson, it is Charles Crockett's character who is referred to as "Mr. Wilson" at one point. Harvey's character name is never spoken in the movie.

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Soundtracks

"Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms"
Traditional music
Played by Kay Francis on harp and Charles Crockett on bass violin

User Reviews

A Delightful Surprise

I always say "never underestimate a movie made in the 1930s" and this is a key example. Even though we see who commits the murder, it has the flavor of a well done who-done-it. Sumptuous sets, great costumes, the proverbial dark and stormy night -- all set a wonderful mood. The camera work sustains it, but above all, the excellent acting by Lionel Barrymore and Kay Francis make for a suspenseful thriller.

I had heard of Kay Francis, but I don't recall having seen her in anything. She is fantastic! Barrymore is best known these days for playing the heavy in "It's a Wonderful Life", but here he is quite a bit younger, very spry, and marvelously expressive, both in inflection and mannerisms.

I wouldn't dream of giving away the ending, which has two nice touches, but I'm proud to say I saw it coming - about thirty seconds before the climax. I was thinking, "wait, they couldn't possibly ..., not the ... " but it was. Superb! Highly recommended.

• henry