The Spellbinder
Jed Marlowe is a brilliant, scheming, unscrupulous criminal lawyer whose specialty is defending criminal he knows is guilty but gets them off through loop-holes or bribery. Then his daughter, misled by her father’s courtroom performance, but unaware of his back-room tactics, marries the killer her father has just unjustly save from the electric chair. What’s a poor father to do?
Insights
Plot Summary
A wealthy widow, Mrs. Cornelia Van Gorder, known for her eccentricities and rumored psychic abilities, becomes embroiled in a series of mysterious events surrounding her deceased husband's business dealings. As a young lawyer attempts to uncover the truth, he finds himself drawn into a web of deception, blackmail, and potential murder, all while navigating the suspicions surrounding Mrs. Van Gorder's peculiar influence.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'The Spellbinder' received mixed to negative reviews, with critics often finding its plot convoluted and its pacing uneven. While some acknowledged Billie Burke's unique performance, the film was largely overlooked by audiences and critics alike, failing to make a significant impact.
What Reviewers Say
- Often criticized for a muddled and confusing narrative.
- Billie Burke's performance is noted as peculiar but not enough to save the film.
- Lacks the suspense and clarity expected from a mystery film.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'The Spellbinder' is largely unavailable due to its obscurity and the era of its release. What limited commentary exists suggests a film that was not widely seen or discussed.
Fun Fact
Billie Burke, famous for playing Glinda the Good Witch in 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939) the same year, plays a wealthy, eccentric widow in 'The Spellbinder,' showcasing her versatility in distinct roles within a single cinematic year.
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