Inquest
Inquest

Movie spotlight

Inquest

1939
Movie
60 min
English

A woman is suspected of killing her husband after a revolver is found in her attic. A coroner is determined to prove that she did it, but thanks to the assistance of a quick-witted lawyer she is eventually found innocent.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Lewis AllenGenres: Drama, Mystery, Film-Noir

Plot Summary

A young lawyer, in his first major case, takes on the defense of a woman accused of murdering her husband. As the trial progresses, he uncovers a complex web of deceit and hidden motives, revealing that the truth may be far more intricate than it initially appears. The proceedings are fraught with tension as the lawyer battles against powerful forces seeking to ensure a conviction, regardless of the actual facts.

Critical Reception

Inquest, while not a widely recognized classic, is appreciated by film noir enthusiasts for its atmospheric tension and compelling courtroom drama. Critics at the time noted its efficient storytelling and a strong performance from Michael Redgrave, though some found the plot somewhat conventional for the era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its suspenseful courtroom sequences and effective direction.

  • Michael Redgrave delivers a commanding performance as the determined defense attorney.

  • The film's exploration of moral ambiguity and the justice system is a notable aspect.

Google audience: Audience reception is not widely documented for this older film, making specific Google user feedback difficult to ascertain.

Fun Fact

The film was based on a 1937 novel of the same name by Desmond Young.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This is quite a quirky little courtroom drama that illustrates some of the daftest elements of the ancient coroner's court practises. When "Margaret Hamilton" (Elizabeth Allan) is accused of her husband's murder, she appears before Herbert ...