by Hal Erickson
synopsis
In 1932, Monogram Pictures was essentially the clearing house for the films of independent production firms. Monogram was responsible for the Southeastern distribution of Trojan Productions' Arm of the Law. Rex Bell, the handsome cowboy-star husband of actress Clara Bow (and later lieutenant governor of Nevada) plays the leading role. Bell wears city duds as a newspaper reporter who tries to solve the murder of nasty nightclub singer Lina Basquette. A whole slew of silent movie veterans pop up as the suspects, including Marceline Day, Bryant Washburn, Donald Keith, Wallace MacDonald, and William V. Mong. A well-crafted little mystery quickie, Arm of the Law was based on Arthur Hoerl's The Butterfly Mystery.
characteristics
- Lawyer
- Lover
- Kill
- Journalist
- Italy
- Journalism
- Mission [quest]
- Murder
- Wife
- Wives
- Suspect
- Reputation
- Nightclub
- Reporter
- Investigation
