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70% Critic Match
Infernal Machine
“With one kiss he stole a rich man's fiancèe and rescued a ship from an explosion that never happened...what a man!!!”
7.0 / 10• 1933• 1h 5m•NR• English
Comedy
Storyline
This pre-Code comedy-thriller centers on Robert Holden, a broke and discouraged veteran, who meets fellow American Elinor Green at a cafe in Paris. After their first encounter, Holden's attempt to return Green's thought-to-be stolen purse ends up rendering him a stowaway on board a ship bound for America. Also aboard is a collection of characters, including Green's banker fiancé, a famed scientist, and an opera singer. Romance begins to blossom between Holden and Green, just as a radiogram claims that an “infernal machine,” or bomb, is aboard the ship. Quickly each passenger accuses the others of planting the bomb until eventually Holden, jealous of Green's attention to her undeserving fiancé, falsely admits to being the culprit. In his role as assumed perpetrator, Holden tests the group further.
Cast & Crew
Chester Morris
Robert Holden
Lead
Genevieve Tobin
Elinor Green
Victor Jory
Alfred Doreen
Elizabeth Patterson
Elinor's Aunt
Edward Van Sloan
Professor Gustabve Hoffman
Josephine Whittell
Mme. Albini
James Bell
Spencer
Arthur Hohl
Ship's Captain
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Marcel Varnel's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
4.0
“Every frame feels alive. Infernal Machine is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
