The Woman Accused (1933)

The Woman Accused Poster

Jeffrey and Glenda are two lovers about to embark on a three-day cruise to nowhere. Their plan is to be married on board by the ship's captain. As Glenda is packing to leave, she receives a threatening phone call from her obsessed, former lover Leo. Glenda confronts Leo and tells him that it's over. Leo, a high-powered attorney calls a hit man to have Jeffrey eliminated. Glenda knocks Leo over the head before he can give the hit man a name. Leo is dead. Glenda sneaks back into her apartment, goes off on the cruise with Jeffrey and pretends that all is swell. Leo's partner, Stephen Bessemer, suspects Glenda and follows her to the ship. Bessemer stages a mock trial aboard the ship and cleverly draws a confession from Glenda. Jeffrey, also an attorney, represents Glenda when she is arrested upon arriving on shore. A skeptical district attorney, and the fact that Jeffrey horsewhips the star witness (the hit man), combine to get Glenda completely off the hook.

Film Overview
"The Woman Accused" is a thrilling, significant motion picture released in 1933, directed by Paul Sloane and produced by Paramount Pictures. Set against a captivating background, the film stars recognizable faces of the era, including Nancy Carroll, George Brent, and Cary Grant. It maintains a suspenseful tone throughout, in addition to an appealing plot that keeps the audience engaged.

Plot Summary
The motion picture starts with a New Year's Eve event where Nancy Carroll, playing the character of Glenda O'Brien, accepts the marital relationship proposition of her sweetheart, Dr. Stephen Bessemer, represented by George Brent. Nevertheless, old flames flicker back to life as Jeffrey Baxter (Cary Grant), Glenda's former enthusiast, attempts to win her back, pledging to do whatever it takes, even if it suggests murder.

The plot further magnifies when the rejected and desperate Jeffrey threatens to expose jeopardizing letters he received from Glenda throughout their relationship, effectively putting Glenda's approaching marital relationship at risk. Glenda, frightened and protective of her future, solves to obtain these letters at all expenses. She visits Jeffrey's private yacht with one purpose but winds up pressing him overboard in self-defence, causing his unforeseen death.

Post-Murder Conflicts & Legal Dilemmas
After the murder, Glenda discovers herself in a predicament, fearing the consequences of her actions. Her battle amplifies when her fiancé, uninformed of her guilt, accepts take up the case. Beliefs and legal trials clash as Stephen unconsciously prepares to prosecute the woman he enjoys for a criminal offense he does not understand she devoted.

As the lawsuit unfolds, Glenda's loyal housemaid, the only other individual aware of her crime, attempts to support and safeguard her. Meanwhile, Glenda continues to come to grips with the ethical implications of her actions, teetering on the verge of admitting the whole truth to Stephen. The suspense intensifies as the story progresses towards the climax.

Ending
In the gripping finale, Glenda confesses whatever to Stephen, who, in the throes of shock, is required to meta-morph from protector to prosecutor - questioning the female he loves in the courtroom. In a twist of fate, a surprise witness emerges who accidentally proves Glenda's claim of self-defence. Her innocence is therefore shown, causing her ultimate acquittal with the submission of her fiancé, who remains helpful in spite of his professional obligations.

Total Impact & Reception
The Woman Accused is a film that brilliantly records the nuances of love, worry, ethical torment and the desperation of a cornered woman through the remarkable efficiencies of the lead actors. It is a dramatic murder mystery that uses its complicated plot to keep the suspense alive. The movie engages the viewer and keeps them intrigued with twists and turns up till the very end. Although it is not as well-known as other films of the time, The Woman Accused stays a satisfying watch and an intriguing example of the murder mystery genre.

Top Cast

  • Nancy Carroll (small)
    Nancy Carroll
    Glenda O'Brien
  • Cary Grant (small)
    Cary Grant
    Jeffrey Baxter
  • John Halliday (small)
    John Halliday
    Stephen Bessemer
  • Irving Pichel (small)
    Irving Pichel
    District Attorney Clark
  • Louis Calhern (small)
    Louis Calhern
    Leo Young
  • Norma Mitchell (small)
    Norma Mitchell
    Martha
  • Jack La Rue (small)
    Jack La Rue
    Little Maxie
  • Gertrude Messinger (small)
    Gertrude Messinger
    Evelyn Craig
  • Lona Andre (small)
    Lona Andre
    Cora Matthews