Shadow of the Law

I have some issues with the set-up of this movie. William Powell is convicted of murdering a man by shoving him out a window; it was self-defense, when the man's lover, played by Natalie Moorhead, rushed into Powell's apartment, followed by the man, who attacked her. Powell defends her and, in the struggle, the man goes out the window. The woman flees. However, the woman's apartment is in the same building; the elevator operator had seen the man in her apartment; people had heard them fighting for some time before they wound up in Powell's apartment.

Anyway, Powell winds up in prison, escapes, makes his way down south and reestablishes himself under a different name, and the story continues on its melodramatic way, lent some sense by Powell's typically intelligent air. It's not great, despite a script co-written by by John Farrow.

It's directed by Louis Gasnier. Gasnier may be remembered only for the hideous REEFER MADNESS, but he had a long and fine career, entering films alongside Max Linder and directing the landmark serial THE PERILS OF PAULINE. If this mediocre melodrama points to why his career was on the downslide, perhaps it reflects more a change in taste and attendant carefulness in production than failure on his part.

Shadow of The Law is a very difficult film to find ( I found it online), but well worth the effort. It is about an innocent man (Powell) who gets convicted of murder, and is sentenced to life in Sing Sing but escapes. His goal is to find the woman ( Natalie Morehead) who can give him an alibi. Powell's character Jim Montgomery is also one of the nicest he ever played. He played some real nasty characters during his time at Paramount ( Behind The Makeup and Nevada come to mind), but even as a good guy he is a bit of a rascal . Here he is a straightforward good guy. There is one scene in prison where the warden wants him to be an informant against someone and instead he tells that person about it. If there are weaknesses it is the ending ( where Morehesd will be caught off screen) and Powell's leading lady ( Karen Schiller) who is NOT exactly Myrna Loy. But at least she was not Kay Francis ( who I cannot stand). I have seen over 50 Powell films and it is in the Top Five non-Loy films. Basically a must for Powell fans and my favorite from his Paramount period. 10/10 stars.

This packs quite a lot into an hour or so, with William Powell doing just about enough to keep it afloat. He is the wealthy "Nelson/Montgomery" who in concluding a rather promising first date before an unfortunate encounter with a stranger (to him, anyway) who ends up splatted all over the pavement several stories below. Now he's in handcuffs and the only witness to the whole affair - indeed, the entire cause of the affair, has done a bunk. After three years incarcerated, he becomes a trusty - the warden wants him to do some snitching for him, but he manages to escape. Starting from scratch, with an whole new identity, he becomes successful but never lets up with his search for "Ethel" (Natalie Moorhead) whom he hopes has some answers. This isn't the usual predictable lunchtime fayre, the story has a little more depth to it and Moorhead is actually quite efficient as the rather odious creature whom he learns can not, should not, be trusted. Can he clear his name? Well it's not that unpredictable, but there are still enough sub-plots and characters to keep it interesting and it's well enough paced to rattle along episodically, but fine.

I was totally mesmerised by this nonsense. The story was absolutely ridiculous and it was obvious what was going to happen. The acting, apart from that of William Powell was nothing special but I was absolutely blown away by it. Thoroughly enjoyable!

This is such a typical 1930 programmer - or rather one of the good 1930 ones (most of them were rubbish). The plot is ultra-simple with no sub plot, no hidden meaning or social commentary. It's just a straight forward story told clearly and simply. The fact that the story is so unbelievable doesn't matter - it's told so brilliantly you don't mind.

William Powell was possibly the most likeable man in the world - he somehow turns this into something really special, something totally absorbing, something to ensure your eyes are permanently glued to your screen. In this he plays......well, William Powell but he's so slick and professional you're rooting for him straight away.

Besides the annoyingly illogicalness of the story, director Louis Gasnier along with Paramount's superstar cameraman Charles Lang actually create a pretty impressive (certainly for 1930) piece of cinema. Even though it doesn't feel rushed - time is spent setting up scenes - there's literally never a dull moment. Every one of its 70 minutes are used efficiently to keep on the edge of your seat.

This really shouldn't be this good but it is!

Wow.......that phrase has changed its meaning. William Powell (Jim) gets arrested for the murder of some complete stranger who he starts fighting with in order to protect Natalie Moorhead (Ethel). She, however, gives him no respect and just disappears leaving Powell to receive a life sentence. He escapes from jail and pursues Moorhead. He must find her to prove his innocence.

It's a good cast although Marion Schilling's (Edith) insipid love interest doesn't merit top female billing. The story develops at a good pace and Powell is a good leading man to take you along on his journey. He has a great voice. I did have to laugh out loud when cellmate Paul Hurst (Pete) asks him if he's got any weed.