The Star Witness (1931)Members of a family witness two murders, but the gang uses threats, violence and kidnapping to try to keep the members from testifying. Director:William A. WellmanWriter:Lucien Hubbard (story) |
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Title: The Star Witness (1931)
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Nominated for 1 Oscar.
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Cast
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| Walter Huston | ... |
District Attorney Whitlock
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Frances Starr | ... |
Ma Leeds
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| Grant Mitchell | ... |
Pa Leeds
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Sally Blane | ... |
Sue Leeds
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Ralph Ince | ... |
'Maxey' Campo
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Edward J. Nugent | ... |
Jackie Leeds
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| Dickie Moore | ... |
Ned Leeds
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Nat Pendleton | ... |
Henchman Big Jack
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George Ernest | ... |
Donny Leeds
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Russell Hopton | ... |
Deputy Thorpe
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Charles 'Chic' Sale | ... |
Private 'Grandpa' Summerill
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
The Leeds family is thrown right in the middle of a war between the cops and gangland when they are the only witnesses to two murders committed by gang kingpin Maxey Campos. Initially positive in their identification of the murderer, their attitudes change when young Donny Leeds is kidnapped by Campos' boys. No amount of threatening with perjury by D.A. Whitlock can get them to tell the truth - except for cantankerous old Grandpa, civil war veteran, who berates his family for failing to do their civic duty, whatever the cost. Though having his doubts as to the credibility of his star witness, Whitlock is nevertheless taken aback when he learns Grandpa has disappeared just before he is to testify. Written by Doug Sederberg <vornoff@sonic.net>
Genres:
DramaCertificate:
TV-GParents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USARelease Date:
22 August 1931 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
A Principal Testemunha See more »Filming Locations:
Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USACompany Credits
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
MonoColor:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1
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(ca. 1755) (uncredited)
Traditional music of English origin
Played often on a fife by Charles 'Chic' Sale
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Did You Know?
Trivia
'Chic' Sale is only 10 months older than his "daughter," Frances Starr in this movie. See more »Soundtracks
"Yankee Doodle"(ca. 1755) (uncredited)
Traditional music of English origin
Played often on a fife by Charles 'Chic' Sale
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Star Witness, The (1931)
*** (out of 4)
Warner gangster film has several flaws but remains highly entertaining throughout the 67-minute running time. An American family sees gangsters kill two undercover cops and they plan on testifying but soon the gangsters are threatening their lives. Things take a turn for the worse when their young son is kidnapped by the gangsters but the D.A. (Walter Huston) must find a way to get their testimony. As I said, there's all sorts of flaws with this film and like many early talkies it does too much talking but there's still plenty to enjoy here including the frankness of the pre-code drama. There's some rather strong violence including a beating, the shootout and some more abuse towards the kidnapped child. These pre-code elements certainly set it apart plus you've got Huston chewing more scenery than ten other actors could combined. Frances Starr, Grant Mitchell, Ralph Ince, Dickie Moore and Charles Sale co-star for director William Wellman. Received an Oscar nomination for Best Story.