Counsellor at Law 04/08/23

William Wyler’s breakthrough movie gives John Barrymore one of his better sound-era dramatic roles, in a strong, incisive pre-Code adapted from Elmer Rice’s play set in a high-powered New York Law office. Attorney George Simon has done well by defending the rich, and eases his conscience by helping people from his roots down on Second Avenue. Now he’s being targeted for an old case, probably because his ancestors ‘didn’t come over on the Mayflower.’ Can Simon keep his wife, fend off the accusations of a communist activist, and avoid being disbarred? Bebe Daniels is his loyal Girl Friday, with Melvyn Douglas, Isabel Jewell and Thelma Todd in support. On Blu-ray from KL Studio Classics.
04/08/23