This is one of several Perry Mason films made in the 1930s starring Warren William. In this case, an old girlfriend is accused of killing While this film bears almost no similarity to the Perry Mason TV series, this isn't why I didn't particularly like the film. The main problem is that the film had a limp and poorly written script--with a lot of really awful dialog and logical errors. It was as if the studio just didn't care and rushed this into production. Even as a B-movie, this film has an awful script. Part of the reason I know the script is bad is that Warren William made some dandy "Lone Wolf" detective films and this one just doesn't even come close in quality or watchability.
So, if the movie is a dud, why did I keep watching the film. Well, I am a bit of a film history fan and I wanted to see two interesting supporting players--Mayo Methot and Errol Flynn. Methot was the wife of Humphrey Bogart and she rarely got significant roles--here she got a bigger than usual part. Also, while Flynn became a huge star, this film was made just before his breakout film, CAPTAIN BLOOD (also 1935). I was actually surprised that he received such high billing or billing at all, as his part lasted about 5 seconds and he didn't even speak. The studio must have realized they had a star and so they lied and made it look like a Flynn film--a common practice among the wily studios of the day.
So, unless you want to see Flynn or Methot, don't bother. Giving the film a 4 was probably charitable.
So, if the movie is a dud, why did I keep watching the film. Well, I am a bit of a film history fan and I wanted to see two interesting supporting players--Mayo Methot and Errol Flynn. Methot was the wife of Humphrey Bogart and she rarely got significant roles--here she got a bigger than usual part. Also, while Flynn became a huge star, this film was made just before his breakout film, CAPTAIN BLOOD (also 1935). I was actually surprised that he received such high billing or billing at all, as his part lasted about 5 seconds and he didn't even speak. The studio must have realized they had a star and so they lied and made it look like a Flynn film--a common practice among the wily studios of the day.
So, unless you want to see Flynn or Methot, don't bother. Giving the film a 4 was probably charitable.