A review plus background information about Paramount pre-Code The Story of Temple Drake (1933), adapted from Sanctuary by William Faulkner. Book and adaptation are compared and contrasted. Casting and path to screen are covered, including George Raft’s refusal to appear in the film. Biographical information about stars Miriam Hopkins and Jack La Rue. Lengthy article, over 5,500 words, first appeared in Classic Movie Monthly #5.
Three on a Match (1932), A Second Look: Bogart, Action, Warren William
A second look at pre-Code classic Three on a Match (1932) includes an appraisal of early Humphrey Bogart movies, contemporary reaction, and a checklist of stars. Plus Warren William.
The Woman Accused (1933) Starring Nancy Carroll and Cary Grant
Ten authors spoil the broth in Paramount pre-Code The Woman Accused (1933) starring Nancy Carroll and Cary Grant. Featuring one shocking scene with Grant, Jack La Rue, and a rawhide whip.
Terror Aboard (1933) – Grand Hotel of Murder on the High Seas
One passenger drops after another in Terror Aboard (1933), Paramount’s pre-Code preview of the far-off slasher genre. An all-star cast of B-players is led by John Halliday in this tale of multiple murders at sea.
Lightning Review: The Girl in 419 (1933) Starring James Dunn
Brief look at Paramount pre-Code THE GIRL IN 419 (1933), gangster movie and hospital drama starring James Dunn with Gloria Stuart, David Manners, and William Harrigan. Directed by Alexander Hall and George Somnes.
Good Dame (1934) Starring Sylvia Sidney and Fredric March
Lots of Depression-era slang tossed about in Paramount’s Good Dame (1934). Carny hustler Fredric March falls for chorine nice girl Sylvia Sidney in this rarely seen pre-Code.
Secret of the Chateau (1934) Universal Murder Mystery Starring Claire Dodd
Universal murder mystery with an excellent ensemble cast revolves around a Gutenberg Bible. Bonus material about the U.S. Library of Congress 1930 purchase of a Gutenberg Bible with funds that ultimately filled the coffers of a Nazi propagandist.
George Raft, Jack La Rue and The Story of Temple Drake (1933)
George Raft was originally cast as Trigger in The Story of Temple Drake (1933), but opted out. He feared that the controversial film, based on William Faulkner’s Sanctuary, would ruin his career. Jack La Rue was cast opposite Miriam Hopkins instead. Did Raft make the right choice?
Night World (1932) Starring Mae Clarke, Lew Ayres and Boris Karloff
A look at Universal’s rollicking 58-minute movie set inside a speakeasy run by Boris Karloff with a Busby Berkeley choreographed dance to boot. Mae Clarke and Lew Ayres star as the love interests while Clarence Muse and general ambiance steal the show.
Lawyer Man (1932) Starring William Powell and Joan Blondell
Warner Brothers’ Lawyer Man (1932) starring William Powell and Joan Blondell is one of a series of pre-code era lawyer films. Loosely based on the life and style of real-life mouthpiece William J. Fallon.