

Penthouse
Gertie Waxted knows how notorious gangster Jim Crelliman runs his rackets, because she's long been under the hoodlum's thumb. She's secretly helping lawyer Jackson Durant in a snoop job aimed at pinning a murder on the thug. Her life will be in peril when that secret gets out.
Insights
Plot Summary
A shrewd, ambitious lawyer takes on a wealthy young socialite implicated in a murder case. He uses his legal prowess and personal charm to navigate the dangerous underworld and powerful figures surrounding the crime. As the case progresses, the lawyer and the socialite find themselves drawn into a complex and perilous dance of seduction and deception.
Critical Reception
Penthouse was a critical and commercial success upon its release, praised for its witty dialogue, sophisticated tone, and strong performances, particularly from Warner Baxter and Myrna Loy. It was seen as a steamy and daring pre-Code film that pushed boundaries with its suggestive themes and complex morality.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its sharp dialogue and pre-Code audacity.
- Warner Baxter's charismatic performance as the slick lawyer was a standout.
- Myrna Loy delivered a memorable turn as the alluring socialite.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'Penthouse' is difficult to ascertain through modern aggregated reviews, but contemporary accounts indicate it was well-received for its entertainment value and bold storytelling.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Warner Baxter won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role.
Fun Fact
The film is a prime example of a 'pre-Code' Hollywood film, meaning it was made before the Hays Code was strictly enforced, allowing for more mature themes and suggestive content than would be permissible in later films.
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