jacobs-greenwood Directed by William K. Howard, with a screenplay by Lenore J. Coffee that was based on the novel by W.E. Woodward, this mystery drama is clever enough to hold one's interest until the final act, when the law goes out the window and incredulity reigns. It was actually the third film (ever and) from that year to team William Powell and Myrna Loy, who plays the title role.Evelyn Prentice (Loy) is the wife of a successful and well known, workaholic defense attorney, John (Powell), who specializes in helping women, like Mrs. Nancy Harrison (Rosalind Russell, who appears briefly as one such woman, in her screen debut), avoid conviction. When Mrs. Harrison insists on showing Prentice gratitude for her acquittal, Evelyn gets the wrong idea, which leads her into a brief if initially innocent situation with a conniving poet named Larry Kennard (Harvey Stephens). Thanks to Evelyn's interfering and visiting friend Amy Drexel (Una Merkel), Prentice gets wind of his wife's discontent and suspicions; he plans a 6 month 'reconciliation' European cruise for he, his wife, and their precocious 7 year old Dorothy (Cora Sue Collins). But Kennard learns of this through the society papers and with Evelyn's letters to him, whose meaning could be misinterpreted, he attempts to blackmail her for $15,000. She sees a gun in his desk drawer and demands her letters. Downstairs, Lennard's jealous girlfriend Judith Wilson (Isabel Jewell) hears a shot ring out, but fails to see Evelyn, holding a handkerchief to her mouth, escaping down the front stairs. Ms. Wilson is accused of killing Kennard. Evelyn, who has a "too be explained" cut on her mouth, insists that they cancel their cruise so that her husband might defend Ms. Wilson.An unbelievable trial ensues, one without much credibility to begin with that gets even more implausible, breaking all legal procedure and protocol, as it proceeds; Frank Conroy plays District Attorney Farley. Edward Brophy plays a brief, yet memorable role as Prentice's assistant Eddie Delaney; Jessie Ralph plays an even briefer role as Mrs. Blake, a witness to Evelyn's exit who keeps quiet in hopes of some future remuneration. Herman Bing appears uncredited as an antiques dealer named Klein, the scene that makes Brophy's role memorable. Billy Gilbert appears uncredited as a café owner, Samuel Hinds as a party guest.Remade as Stronger than Desire (1939) with Virginia Bruce, Walter Pidgeon, Lee Bowman, and Ann Dvorak.

J. Spurlin Evelyn Prentice (Myrna Loy) is the neglected wife of a prominent lawyer (William Powell) who briefly takes up with his beautiful client (Rosalind Russell). When Evelyn finds out, she does her own dallying with a conniving poet and playwright (Harvey Stephens) who has a jealous girlfriend (Isabel Jewell). Evelyn's ditsy friend and house guest (Una Merkel) acts as confidant when the dalliance turns disastrous and Evelyn finds herself involved in blackmail and murder. Now, her marriage and the future happiness of her little daughter (Cora Sue Collins) are in jeopardy.This courtroom mystery could have stood fewer melodramatic contrivances, especially toward the end, but the dialogue and characterizations are strong. Far stronger, however, are the remarkable performances from everyone involved. Myrna Loy's quiet desperation is utterly convincing. Powell, good throughout, is especially deft after discovering a stunning secret during the climactic courtroom trial: without a trace of ham, he genuinely looks as if he is about to keel over from shock, as he is forced to go on. Isabel Jewell, eschewing all phony theatrics, is remarkably good during her testimony at the end. Cora Sue is charming as the little girl. These performances distract us from the occasional creaks and groans in the plot and make the movie worth seeing.

Clothes-Off Despite the presence of stars Myrna Loy and William Powell (not to mention Rosalind Russell in her brief film debut), supporting player Isabel Jewell's performance is easily the most memorable in this drama. Powell plays a prominent lawyer, and Jewell plays a potential client, one who can't afford his serves as much as the glamorous socialite played by Russell. The legendary Loy has some fine scenes, but she really isn't given much of a chance to change her somber demeanor throughout the picture. There isn't really much action in this film, just a few well-placed confrontations and plot devices to keep up a modest amount of suspense, plenty enough to hold ones interest in a short running time. Films of this era didn't have to rely on spectacle or sensation to be good, and this is one example.

mkilmer In EVELYN PRENTICE, I saw the importance of family and the real meaning of "'til death do us part," from the standard marriage vows. Work comes between John and Evelyn Prentice (William Powell and Myrna Loy). A sweet-talker comes between John and Evelyn Prince. Their daughter Dorothy brings them together, as does love.As simple as this sounds, as possibly hokey, it mattered in 1935, and it made for a good movie. It matters in the 21st Century, as well, and the movie is still good.The villain in this film is portrayed as totally devoid of value, his killing beneficial to the human race. Vigilante justice is an uneasy concept, but it works. The sleazy sweet-talker is shot, and John Prentice is the best attorney around.If you like Powell and Loy beyond the Thin Man series, and there are several great ones, you'll enjoy this. Powell's character is a sophisticated as ever, Loy's as fantastically intelligent.My wife and I enjoyed this film.