Penthouse 1933
"A strange romance in a penthouse- a sky high love-nest! A girl from nowhere bringing drama that screamed from the headlines!"
Step into the atmospheric world of *Penthouse (1933)*, a gripping pre-Code crime drama directed by W.S. Van Dyke that blends mystery and danger against the glittering backdrop of a high-rise love nest.
Director: W.S. Van Dyke
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Penthouse (1933) about?
*Penthouse* follows Gertie Waxted, a woman entangled in the criminal empire of gangster Jim Crelliman. When she secretly aids lawyer Jackson Durant in his quest to pin a murder on Crelliman, danger escalates as her betrayal threatens to cost her everything. The film unfolds in the penthouse's luxurious yet treacherous confines, where alliances shift and survival hangs in the balance.
Who directed Penthouse?
W.S. Van Dyke directed *Penthouse*, a filmmaker known for his work in crime dramas and early noir-influenced films.
Who stars in Penthouse?
The film features Warner Baxter as lawyer Jackson Durant, Myrna Loy as Gertie Waxted, and Charles Butterworth, Mae Clarke, and C. Henry Gordon rounding out the cast.
Is Penthouse (1933) worth watching?
*Penthouse* is a compelling watch for fans of pre-Code crime dramas, offering snappy dialogue, a tight plot, and standout performances from Baxter and Loy. While it lacks modern production value, its noir atmosphere and headline-inspired storytelling make it a curious relic worth exploring for classic film enthusiasts.
How long is Penthouse?
Penthouse runs for 88 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes.
About Penthouse (1933) — A Gritty Crime Drama with Myrna Loy and Warner Baxter
Step into the atmospheric world of *Penthouse (1933)*, a gripping pre-Code crime drama directed by W.S. Van Dyke that blends mystery and danger against the glittering backdrop of a high-rise love nest. Warner Baxter stars as Jackson Durant, a sharp-witted lawyer tangled in a dangerous web of deception, while Myrna Loy shines as Gertie Waxted, a woman caught between loyalty and survival under the thumb of notorious gangster Jim Crelliman (C. Henry Gordon). The film crackles with tension as secrets unravel in the penthouse's secluded luxury, where the line between love and betrayal blurs. With its shadowy cinematography and headline-grabbing twists, *Penthouse* delivers a noir-inspired thrill ride that immerses viewers in the moral decay of 1930s crime syndicates.
The story races toward a climax where Gertie's alliance with Durant puts her life on the line, forcing her to outsmart a ruthless underworld before the authorities can intervene. Woven with snappy dialogue and a pulse-pounding pace, this forgotten gem showcases Van Dyke's knack for crafting suspenseful character dramas. Fans of early cinema's gritty storytelling will find *Penthouse* a riveting exploration of trust, power, and the high stakes of living in the penthouse's gilded cage.