The Best Man Wins (1935)

Director:

Erle C. Kenton

Writers:

Ben Grauman Kohn (story)
Ethel Hill (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

15 January 1935 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Crime

Plot:

A diver saves his best friend's life but loses his own arm in doing so. Later, unable to find work because of his missing arm...

Plot Keywords:

Scuba Diving | Beautiful Woman | Diamond | Evil Man | Murder

Cast

Edmund Lowe	...	Toby Warren
Jack Holt	...	Nick Roberts
Florence Rice	...	Ann
Bela Lugosi	...	Doc Boehm
J. Farrell MacDonald	...	Captain--Harbor Patrol
Forrester Harvey	...	Harry
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Mitchell Lewis	...	Joe
Bradley Page	...	Silk
Frank Sheridan	...	Captain of the Salvage Tug

Also Known As:

Depths Below (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

75 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

USA:Approved

Company:

Columbia Pictures Corporation

Perhaps an early film-noir?

The Best Man Wins is one of those films you've never heard of but after you've seen it you are oh so glad you did. The best way to approach films like this is to put yourself in a 1930's mind set. These films are what they are. They are not major productions. They were not intended to be thought of as major productions. They are a group of hard working people doing the best they can with what they have. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but when it does, you have a little gem like The Best Man Wins.These people of the "B" movies are truly the unsung heroes of the film industry. Its time they be recognized for their talent and hard work. Florence Rice shines as the long suffering Ann, torn between two men who really love her. There are many wonderful camera angles on Florence which really bring out her loyalty and vulnerability, not to mention her exquisite beauty. Edmund Lowe as Toby gives a performance that recalls Bogie. The hero who saves his friend but loses his arm in the bargain and becomes ruthless and rather bitter, except when it comes to Ann. Jack Holt, the stalwart recipient of Toby's heroics who remains true to his friend even to the point of giving up Ann and covering for Toby. Bela Lugosi, in little more than a cameo, nonetheless makes his sinister presence felt. A really good plot line that has you really pulling for a happy outcome. If you can see this movie, on TV or VHS or DVD, grab it, its one of the best of this type of film you'll ever see.