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57% Critic Match
For the Defense
“Too CLEVER to be STRAIGHT”
5.7 / 10• 1930• 1h 5m•NR• English
CrimeDramaRomance
Storyline
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 & Crew
William Powell
William Foster
Lead
Kay Francis
Irene Manners
Scott Kolk
Jack Defoe
William B. Davidson
Dist. Atty. Stone
John Elliott
McGann
Thomas E. Jackson
Daly
HW
Harry Walker
Miller
James Finlayson
Parrott
What People Are Saying
3.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. John Cromwell's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. For the Defense is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
