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Movie poster

For the Defense

19304.8 / 1065 min
Crime, Drama, Romance

Overview

Too CLEVER to be STRAIGHT

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.

Cast

William Powell

William Powell

William Foster

Kay Francis

Kay Francis

Irene Manners

Scott Kolk

Scott Kolk

Jack Defoe

William B. Davidson

William B. Davidson

Dist. Atty. Stone

John Elliott

John Elliott

McGann

Thomas E. Jackson

Thomas E. Jackson

Daly

Harry Walker

Harry Walker

Miller

James Finlayson

James Finlayson

Parrott

Charles West

Charles West

Joe

Charles Sullivan

Charles Sullivan

Charlie

Ernie Adams

Ernie Adams

Eddie Withers

Bertram Marburgh

Bertram Marburgh

Judge Evans

Edward LeSaint

Edward LeSaint

Judge at first trial

George 'Gabby' Hayes

George 'Gabby' Hayes

Ben (the waiter)

Crew

John Cromwell

John Cromwell

Director

Jules Furthman

Jules Furthman

Story

Oliver H.P. Garrett

Oliver H.P. Garrett

Writer

Charles Lang

Charles Lang

Director of Photography

George Nichols Jr.

George Nichols Jr.

Editor

Travis Banton

Travis Banton

Costume Design

Harold M. McNiff

Harold M. McNiff

Sound