Cast
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Guy Standing
as Judge Martin Prentice
John Halliday
as Jack Brookfield
William Frawley
as Jury Foreman
Judith Allen
as Nancy Brookfield
Tom Brown
as Clay Thorne
Olive Tell
as Mrs. Helen Thorne
Richard Carle
as Lew Ellinger
Ralf Harolde
as Frank Hardmuth
Purnell Pratt
as District Attorney Robinson
Frank Sheridan
as Police Chief
Gertrude Michael
as Margaret Price
Ferdinand Gottschalk
as Dr. von Strohn
Crew
Director
- Henry Hathaway
Writer
- Anthony Veiller
- Salisbury Field
Producer
- Anthony Veiller
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Witching Hour 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 Henry Hathaway 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 1934, 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 Witching Hour took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 69 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 94 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 364 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 78 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1934, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Witching Hour shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Karma, which focuses more on action than character development, The Witching Hour subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Red Corner and Fallen explore similar territory, The Witching Hour stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: April 26, 1934
- Runtime: 1h 9m
