Mountain Justice (1937)

User Rating:

6.8/10   

Director:

Michael Curtiz

Writers:

Norman Reilly Raine (screenplay) and
Luci Ward (screenplay)

Release Date:

24 April 1937 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Plot:

Stalwart Appalachian woman finds romance as she struggles to better herself and her people amid prejudice and familial abuse. |

Plot Keywords:

Appalachia | Settlement House | Jury Nullification | Family Relationships | Jail

Cast

George Brent	...	Paul Cameron
Josephine Hutchinson	...	Ruth Harkins
Guy Kibbee	...	Doctor John Aloysius Barnard
Mona Barrie	...	Evelyn Wayne
Robert Barrat	...	Jeff Harkins
Joe King	...	Judge at Ruth's Trial (as Joseph King)
Margaret Hamilton	...	Phoebe Lamb
Robert McWade	...	Lawyer Horace Bamber
Fuzzy Knight	...	Clem Biggers
Edward Pawley	...	Tod Miller
Elisabeth Risdon	...	Meg Harkins (as Elizabeth Risdon)
Marcia Mae Jones	...	Bethie Harkins
Granville Bates	...	Judge Crawley, at Jeff's Trial
Russell Simpson	...	Mr. Matthew Turnbull
Sibyl Harris	...	Mrs. Turnbull

Runtime:

83 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

USA:Approved (PCA #2750)

Company:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Trivia:

Contemporary sources suggest the film was based on a real murder case where a woman killed her own father.

Soundtrack:

Isle of Capri

Wow, what a surprise

This obscure little film is one of those that you happen to catch by accident, and then you're so happy you did. I was channel surfing, and the opening credits were playing when I saw "directed by Michael "Casablanca" Curtiz." I could immediately tell this was a low budgeted affair, and the print TCM was showing was only a fair one, but, from the get-go, it grabbed my attention and held it. Released in 1937, I was surprised at the timeless dramatics this film displayed, in a very realistic manner that should appeal to most modern viewers. What easily could have become soap-opera-ish in the wrong hands, becomes a very compelling story under the direction of Curtiz and writers Norman Raine and Luci Ward. The entire cast was well chosen and performed very impressively, even star George Brent, who's usual "stiffness" actually seems appropriate in this particular tale. Josephine Hutchinson is simply wonderful in the female lead role, and Guy Kibbee is always a joy to watch. Look out for a very feisty Margaret Hamilton, looking awfully young only two years before playing the Wicked Witch in Wizard of Oz. I don't want to talk too much about the actual story, other than it being a very convincing and well handled tale of mountain folks and a daughter on trial for shooting her father. This little film truly packs a punch, and if you ever see it appear on TCM again, make sure to catch it. You'll have a treat in store.