The Keyhole Poster

The Keyhole 1933

★ 4.715 votes69 min📅 1933-03-25

"He stopped at nothing! He was hired by husbands to find out the worst! He fell in love with the woman he was paid to ruin!"

Michael Curtiz's The Keyhole (1933) blends sharp wit with romantic tension in a stylish pre-Code comedy-drama.

Director: Michael Curtiz

Cast

Kay Francis
Kay Francis
Anne Vallee Brooks
George Brent
George Brent
Neil Davis
Glenda Farrell
Glenda Farrell
Dot
Monroe Owsley
Monroe Owsley
Maurice Le Brun
Allen Jenkins
Allen Jenkins
Hank Wales
Helen Ware
Helen Ware
Portia DeWitt Brooks
Henry Kolker
Henry Kolker
Schuyler Brooks
Ferdinand Gottschalk
Ferdinand Gottschalk
Brooks' Lawyer
Irving Bacon
Irving Bacon
Grover - Brooks' Chauffeur (uncredited)
Maurice Black
Maurice Black
Cuban Jewelry Salesman (uncredited)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Keyhole (1933) about?

The film follows a private investigator who specializes in divorce cases, taking on jobs to uncover secrets for suspicious husbands. But when he's hired to spy on a charming woman, he finds himself unexpectedly smitten—risking his reputation and his heart in the process.

Who directed The Keyhole?

The Keyhole was directed by the legendary Michael Curtiz, known for his versatility and iconic films like Casablanca and Mildred Pierce.

Who stars in The Keyhole?

The Keyhole features Kay Francis as the alluring wife, George Brent as the conflicted detective, and Glenda Farrell in a supporting role that adds extra flavor to this snappy drama.

Is The Keyhole (1933) worth watching?

With its snappy dialogue, pre-Code charm, and engaging performances from Kay Francis and George Brent, The Keyhole offers a fun escape into 1930s Hollywood storytelling. While not as widely remembered as Curtiz's later works, it's a breezy watch with plenty of wit and romantic tension.

How long is The Keyhole?

The Keyhole runs approximately 69 minutes, making it a perfect pick for a concise yet satisfying classic film experience.

About The Keyhole (1933) — A Pre-Code Comedy-Drama of Love and Deception

Michael Curtiz's The Keyhole (1933) blends sharp wit with romantic tension in a stylish pre-Code comedy-drama. The story follows a cunning private investigator who earns his living by uncovering secrets for suspicious husbands—until he's hired to spy on a captivating woman who turns the tables on him. As his professional detachment crumbles, the line between duty and desire blurs, delivering a playful yet biting commentary on love, deception, and the fragile nature of trust. With snappy dialogue and a breezy runtime, this 1930s gem captures the decadence of its era while poking fun at the moral gray areas of marriage and espionage.

Kay Francis takes center stage as the enigmatic wife caught between her husband's paranoia and her own growing fascination with the detective played by George Brent. Glenda Farrell adds sass and intrigue as a secondary lead, while the film's zesty atmosphere is elevated by Curtiz's knack for balancing humor and drama. The Keyhole (1933) is a delightful romp for fans of vintage Hollywood's razor-sharp storytelling.