For the Defense

For the Defense

Too CLEVER to be STRAIGHT

NR 1930 · 65 min · ★ 5.7 · Crime, Drama, Romance

William Foster is a slick attorney who stays within the law, but specializes in representing crooks and shady characters. He's adept at keeping them out of jail, winning acquittals, and having decisions reversed, thus springing criminals out of prison. He is romantically involved with dancer Irene Manners, who is two-timing him, although she wants to marry him. She kills a man driving while out with her other man, Jack Defoe, who takes the blame. Unfortunately, a ring Foster had just given Irene is found at the crime scene. Foster ends up defending Jack, but when the ring is found, he thinks he is protecting Irene, so pleads guilty to jury tampering.

Directed by John Cromwell · Written by Jules Furthman

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Cast

William Powell William Foster
Kay Francis Irene Manners
Scott Kolk Jack Defoe
William B. Davidson Dist. Atty. Stone
John Elliott McGann
Thomas E. Jackson Daly
Harry Walker Miller
James Finlayson Parrott
Charles West Joe
Charles Sullivan Charlie
Ernie Adams Eddie Withers
Bertram Marburgh Judge Evans

Make it a double feature

2h 46m together

For the Defense

The Prisoner of Zenda

Both from John Cromwell.

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