The Sphinx 1933
"What was the sinister secret of the man who could speak only with his eyes?"
Directed by Phil Rosen, *The Sphinx (1933)* plunges viewers into a shadowy world of deception and intrigue where a man presumed mute becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation.
Director: Phil Rosen
Cast
Lionel Atwill
Jerome Breen
Sheila Terry
Jerry Crane
Theodore Newton
Jack Burton
Paul Hurst
Detective Terrence Aloysius Hogan
Luis Alberni
Luigi Baccigalupi
Robert Ellis
Inspector James Riley
Lucien Prival
Jenks, the Butler
Lillian Leighton
Mother Werner
Paul Fix
Dave Werner
George 'Gabby' Hayes
Detective Casey
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Sphinx (1933) about?
The film follows a man believed to be mute, who becomes the prime suspect in a murder after being spotted at the crime scene. Conflicting witness accounts suggest he was seen speaking, forcing police to question whether he's the killer or a victim of a sinister frame-up.
Who directed The Sphinx?
The movie was directed by Phil Rosen, a filmmaker known for his work in the 1930s and 1940s, who brings a tight, suspenseful energy to this compact thriller.
Who stars in The Sphinx?
The cast includes Lionel Atwill, Sheila Terry, Theodore Newton, and Luis Alberni, with standout performances that anchor the film's tense narrative.
Is The Sphinx (1933) worth watching?
While lacking an IMDb rating, *The Sphinx* remains a compelling watch for fans of early mystery films and noir enthusiasts. Its tight runtime and clever plot make it an underrated gem worth tracking down for a dose of vintage suspense.
How long is The Sphinx?
The Sphinx runs for 64 minutes, a perfect length for a quick but gripping thriller experience.
About The Sphinx (1933) — Unravel the mystery of a silent man accused of murder
Directed by Phil Rosen, *The Sphinx (1933)* plunges viewers into a shadowy world of deception and intrigue where a man presumed mute becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. As police piece together conflicting testimonies, the mystery deepens: witnesses claim to have seen him speaking at the crime scene, yet he's known to communicate solely through eerie, silent exchanges. This compact 64-minute thriller weaves a tense atmosphere of paranoia and misdirection, blending classic mystery tropes with the eerie allure of a silent man caught in a deadly web of suspicion.
The film's stark black-and-white visuals heighten the eerie mood, while themes of identity and justice collide as the protagonist fights to clear his name. With Lionel Atwill delivering a mesmerizing performance at the center, *The Sphinx (1933)* emerges as a forgotten gem of pre-Code cinema—short but brimming with suspense and the kind of clever twists that keep audiences guessing until the final reveal.
