Well-known philanthropist and deaf-mute John G. Harrison is identified leaving the scene of several murders but evades successful prosecution as there are hundreds of witnesses who have also seen him emceeing benefits at the exact same time as the murders.
Acting
Mantan Moreland steals every scene as the chauffeur Nicodemus.
Production
Beaudine shot this in 5 days—chaotic energy visible in every frame.
Director
William Beaudine
Dick Purcell
Edward Clarkk
Joan Woodbury
Barbara Mason
John Hamilton
John G. Harrison
Warren Hymer
Police Sgt. Pete Corrigan
Mantan Moreland
Nicodemus
J. Farrell MacDonald
Police Captain
Gayne Whitman
District Attorney John W. Rogers
Kenneth Harlan
Police Lt. Jim Brady
George J. Lewis
Kramer
Karl Hackett
Defense Attorney
Harry Depp
Lester P. Cutler
Isabel La Mal
Mrs. Rigby - Dave's Mother
Frank Ellis
Kelsey
Victor Adamson
City Hall Janitor (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This is a remake of 1933's 'The Sphinx' with Lionel Atwill, which itself borrowed heavily from 'The Miracle Man' (1919). Hollywood's alibi obsession ran deep.
Mantan Moreland's performance as Nicodemus walks the tightrope of 1940s Black stereotype while delivering genuine comic timing—his frustrated reactions to the white characters' incompetence almost feel subversive now.
US
