Kay Francis made nine films in 1930. They were all designed to give this ravishing beauty screen exposure but they also exposed something else - the fact that she had a natural talent. "Street of Chance" gave Kay her first sympathetic part and proved she could handle more demanding roles. In "For the Defense" her role has a lot of dimensions - she is not just a "good" girl or a "bad" girl. She is also teamed once again with William Powell - they were an early sound screen team.
Bill Foster (William Powell) is a smart, charismatic lawyer, who always gets his client off - no matter how bad the evidence looks. In a super court room sequence, Foster throws a phial of (supposed) nitro glycerin on the floor and causes a panic - all in an effort to prove a client innocent. Irene Manners (Kay Francis) is an actress who is head over heels in love with him. She jokingly asks him to marry her but he refuses, saying it would spoil everything. In a huff, she lets herself be coaxed by a lovesick boy, Defoe, into considering his marriage proposal. While driving Defoe home, Irene accidentally runs over and kills a pedestrian. Defoe takes the blame and Foster takes his case after Irene pleads with him. When Daly finds Foster has bribed a juryman, Foster then finds he is on trial. Thomas E. Jackson plays Daley as a slow talking, dry witted policeman - much the same as he did in "Little Ceasar" (1930). James Finlayson, who was usually harassed by Laurel and Hardy did a brilliant job as Parrot, the bribed juryman - he really shows himself a fine actor.
Irene goes to the prosecution and threatens to go on the stand and tell the truth about the hit and run - even though her reputation will be damaged. Bill refuses to listen and pleads guilty. There is a heartfelt scene outside the prison where Irene convinces Bill that she will be there when he gets out.
This is an excellent court room drama with lots of twists. The characters are well rounded - not cardboard cutouts!!!
Highly Recommended.
Bill Foster (William Powell) is a smart, charismatic lawyer, who always gets his client off - no matter how bad the evidence looks. In a super court room sequence, Foster throws a phial of (supposed) nitro glycerin on the floor and causes a panic - all in an effort to prove a client innocent. Irene Manners (Kay Francis) is an actress who is head over heels in love with him. She jokingly asks him to marry her but he refuses, saying it would spoil everything. In a huff, she lets herself be coaxed by a lovesick boy, Defoe, into considering his marriage proposal. While driving Defoe home, Irene accidentally runs over and kills a pedestrian. Defoe takes the blame and Foster takes his case after Irene pleads with him. When Daly finds Foster has bribed a juryman, Foster then finds he is on trial. Thomas E. Jackson plays Daley as a slow talking, dry witted policeman - much the same as he did in "Little Ceasar" (1930). James Finlayson, who was usually harassed by Laurel and Hardy did a brilliant job as Parrot, the bribed juryman - he really shows himself a fine actor.
Irene goes to the prosecution and threatens to go on the stand and tell the truth about the hit and run - even though her reputation will be damaged. Bill refuses to listen and pleads guilty. There is a heartfelt scene outside the prison where Irene convinces Bill that she will be there when he gets out.
This is an excellent court room drama with lots of twists. The characters are well rounded - not cardboard cutouts!!!
Highly Recommended.