Guilty Hands Poster

Guilty Hands 1931

★ 5.914 votes69 min📅 1931-08-22

"Mystery... chills... an ending that you'll never guess!"

Step into the morally complex world of *Guilty Hands (1931)*, a gripping crime drama directed by the masterful W.S. Van Dyke.

Director: W.S. Van Dyke

Cast

Lionel Barrymore
Lionel Barrymore
Richard Grant
Kay Francis
Kay Francis
Marjorie West
Madge Evans
Madge Evans
Barbara 'Babs' Grant
William Bakewell
William Bakewell
Tommy Osgood
C. Aubrey Smith
C. Aubrey Smith
Reverend Hastings
Polly Moran
Polly Moran
Aunt Maggie
Alan Mowbray
Alan Mowbray
Gordon Rich
Forrester Harvey
Forrester Harvey
Spencer Wilson
Charles Crockett
Charles Crockett
H.G. Smith
Henry A. Barrows
Henry A. Barrows
Harvey Scott (as Henry Barrows)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Guilty Hands (1931) about?

This 1931 crime drama follows a district attorney who takes justice into his own hands by killing his daughter's unfaithful fiancé. What begins as a calculated act of vengeance spirals into a web of deception as he attempts to frame the man's lover. The story explores the consequences of obsession and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

Who directed Guilty Hands?

W.S. Van Dyke directed *Guilty Hands*. Known for his work in crime and adventure films, Van Dyke crafted a tense, morally ambiguous narrative that keeps viewers guessing until the end.

Who stars in Guilty Hands?

The film stars Lionel Barrymore, Kay Francis, Madge Evans, William Bakewell, and C. Aubrey Smith, with Polly Moran adding comedic and dramatic depth to the ensemble.

Is Guilty Hands (1931) worth watching?

With its sharp storytelling and compelling performances, *Guilty Hands* is a solid entry in the crime genre. While it lacks an IMDb rating, its Pre-Code era charm and themes of moral conflict make it a compelling watch for classic film enthusiasts.

How long is Guilty Hands?

The runtime for *Guilty Hands* is 69 minutes.

About Guilty Hands (1931) — A Crime Drama of Murder and Moral Dilemmas

Step into the morally complex world of *Guilty Hands (1931)*, a gripping crime drama directed by the masterful W.S. Van Dyke. The film unfolds in a shadowy atmosphere of deceit and vengeance as a respected district attorney, played by the legendary Lionel Barrymore, crosses a dangerous line when he orchestrates the perfect murder. His target? His own daughter's reckless, womanizing fiancé—a man whose charm masks a trail of broken hearts and shattered promises. With razor-sharp tension and a twist that redefines justice, this Pre-Code thriller explores themes of morality, corruption, and the lengths to which love and duty can drive a man.

Set against the backdrop of the early 1930s, *Guilty Hands* blends sharp dialogue with a pulse-pounding narrative, featuring Kay Francis and Madge Evans as the key women caught in the crossfire. The film's taut pacing and moral ambiguity make it a standout in the crime genre, offering audiences a glimpse into the darker side of the American legal system. A must-watch for fans of classic noir and those who crave stories where the line between hero and villain blurs.