As I first began watching this film it was a little slow, but it picked up momentum and got fairly interesting. The plot involves a fine stage actress (Mary Astor) who is resuming her career after a 3 year hiatus. Her missing husband (Louis Calhern in a truly unsavory role) returns, and he seems to have an hypnotic affect on her (literally) and she loses all desire to act. Meanwhile, her brother (Edward G. Robinson) decides not to let Calhern ruin his sister's life once again, so he disguises himself and murders the fiend. Will he get away with it? Edward G. Robinson does nicely here, and a refreshing change from all his gangster roles of the era. He is particularly entertaining in his semi-dual role. Mary Astor may just overdo it slightly in her role when she is in a daze as a result of her husband's return; I generally liked her as an actress, but not so much here; that may be the director's fault. Ricardo Cortez is attractive, but not particularly good as a producer. Louis Calhern is simply sleazy as the villain here. Arthur Byron is pleasant as a doctor. David Landau has a very nice turn as a police sergeant. Emily Fitzroy is entertaining as the housekeeper. Henry O'Neill is present as a police inspector.
I wouldn't rate this as high as the television service did, but it's pretty good, and a good chance to see Robinson in his prime...but not as a gangster.
I wouldn't rate this as high as the television service did, but it's pretty good, and a good chance to see Robinson in his prime...but not as a gangster.