The Scoundrel
The Scoundrel

Movie spotlight

The Scoundrel

1935
Movie
76 min
English

A ruthless, cynical, hated publisher is killed in a plane crash, doomed to be a "restless" spirit for being unloved. A heavenly power gives him a month on Earth to find one person to shed a tear for him before his fate is sealed.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Director: Ben Hecht, Charles MacArthurGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A cynical and wealthy New York publisher, Tony Gaylord, who profits from sensationalist journalism, finds himself haunted by a past love. He is forced to confront his emotional detachment and the consequences of his actions when he encounters the spirit of a young woman he wronged.

Critical Reception

The Scoundrel was a critical success upon its release, praised for its sharp dialogue, Noel Coward's performance, and its unconventional exploration of conscience and redemption. It was noted for its mature themes and sophisticated approach, earning it an Academy Award.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Noel Coward's compelling and nuanced performance.

  • Lauded for its intelligent screenplay and sophisticated, mature themes.

  • Acknowledged for its unique blend of cynicism and eventual redemption.

Google audience: Information not available.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Academy Award for Best Original Story (Arthur Menken and Seymour Bobrick).

Fun Fact

The film marked Noel Coward's only starring role in an American-made film and his sole American Oscar win.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

“When a book and an head come into contact, and one sounds hollow. Is it always the book?”. Noël Coward is the rather superior publisher “Tony” who is surrounded by acolytes who are little more interested in him than he is in them. Even his...