Cast
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Warren William
as Vincent 'Vince' Day
Sidney Fox
as Celia Farraday
Aline MacMahon
as Miss Hickey, Day's Secretary
John Wray
as Mr. Barton
Mae Madison
as Elaine
Ralph Ince
as J.B. Roscoe
Morgan Wallace
as E.A. Smith
Guy Kibbee
as Bartender
J. Carrol Naish
as Tony Rocco
Walter Walker
as District Attorney Forbes
Stanley Fields
as Mr. Pondapolis
Murray Kinnell
as Thompson, Day's Butler
Noel Francis
as Miss DeVere
William Janney
as John 'Johnny' Morris
Emerson Treacy
as Robert Wilson (Uncredited)
Crew
Director
- James Flood
- Elliott Nugent
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Mouthpiece examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director James Flood brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1932, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Mouthpiece took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 463 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 37 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1932, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Mouthpiece shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Enemy of the State, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Mouthpiece offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Philadelphia and Two Alone explore similar territory, The Mouthpiece stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 21, 1932
- Runtime: 1h 26m
Where to Watch
