Guilty Hands

Lionel Barrymore has "Guilty Hands" in this 1931 film also starring Kay Francis, Madge Evans, and C. Aubrey Smith. When attorney Richard Grant (Barrymore) finds out that his daughter Barbara (Evans) is about to marry a playboy, Richard threatens his life. Richard has long believed it's possible to commit the perfect crime; now, in order to save his daughter from a disastrous marriage, he has his chance and takes it at a dinner party. It's all for naught - Barbara has realized that she's in love with someone else and decided not to marry Gordon. Too late.

Richard then goes along with an investigation of the murder. Kay Francis plays Richard's old girlfriend who also becomes a suspect.

This is very much an early talkie, complete with the big, dramatic acting, especially by Barrymore, that came from stage actors who appeared in films back then. It was the style, and while it seems hammy today, in 1931, it wasn't. Kay Francis as usual is lovely and does a fine job in her role.

The ending is very interesting. It's hard to judge these films when seen today. By 1931 standards, though, this is a good movie.