Evelyn Prentice (1934)

65% of users liked it
(362 ratings)

Filmed between the original Thin Man and the first of its sequels, Evelyn Prentice re-teamed William Powell and Myrna Loy as another husband-and-wife team knee deep in a murder mystery. In this one, Powell is John Prentice, a prominent lawyer with an eye for women other than his own wife. His latest… More Filmed between the original Thin Man and the first of its sequels, Evelyn Prentice re-teamed William Powell and Myrna Loy as another husband-and-wife team knee deep in a murder mystery. In this one, Powell is John Prentice, a prominent lawyer with an eye for women other than his own wife. His latest interest is Nancy Harrison (Rosalind Russell, in her film debut), a client accused of manslaughter, whom Prentice successfully defended. Loy plays John's wife, Evelyn, who loves him but is hurt by his inattention and the loneliness that ensues. This leads her to engage in a flirtation of her own, with a charming writer (Harvey Stephens). The writer, however, is interested in Evelyn only for what he can get out of her and threatens to blackmail her. In a panic, she shoots him and runs away, discovering later that he has been found dead and that another woman, Judith Wilson, has been accused of his murder. Hoping that his expert legal skills will the innocent woman her acquittal, Evelyn convinces her husband to take on Wilson's defense. As the film progresses, Evelyn feels increasingly pressured to admit that she is responsible for the man's death. ~ Craig Butler, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 20 min.
Directed By: William K. Howard
Written By: Lenore Coffee
Genres: Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Classics

In Theaters: Nov 9, 1934 Wide
On DVD: Aug 7, 2007

Critic Reviews

David Cornelius, DVDTalk.com
A major misstep for all involved.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
This is not one of the better pairings of the charismatic Loy and Powell duo.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Very episodic and overwrought drama with Myrna succumbing to the overacting bug at times and Powell rather stiff. The best performances come from the supporting players, Isabel Jewell as a wronged woman and especially Una Merkel who single handedly saves this from total soap opera… More
Very episodic and overwrought drama with Myrna succumbing to the overacting bug at times and Powell rather stiff. The best performances come from the supporting players, Isabel Jewell as a wronged woman and especially Una Merkel who single handedly saves this from total soap opera with her terrific wisecracking. Rosalind Russell made her film debut here but is wasted as a devious society harlot. The ending is too precious for words.
AJ V

Powell and Loy deserve a better movie than this. This drama is predictable and at times boring. I've never been bored by these actors before seeing this movie.
Michael G

Powell plays a negligent workaholic attorney who drives his wife Loy into the arms of a parasitic gigolo, who incidentally winds up dead. Although without just about any comic traces, Evelyn Prentice is good for what it is--a somewhat hammy 30s melodrama with a hint of suspense.… More
Powell plays a negligent workaholic attorney who drives his wife Loy into the arms of a parasitic gigolo, who incidentally winds up dead. Although without just about any comic traces, Evelyn Prentice is good for what it is--a somewhat hammy 30s melodrama with a hint of suspense. Definitely not the Thin Man but nothing to complain (too much) about either. As always Powell and Loy are great together.

Cast

            Myrna Loy as Evelyn Prentice

            William Powell as John Prentice

            Una Merkel as Amy Drexel

            Rosalind Russell as Nancy Harrison

            Harvey Stephens as Lawrence Kennard

            Isabel Jewell as Judith Wilson

            Edward S. Brophy as Eddie Delaney

            Henry Wadsworth as Chester Wylie

            Cora Sue Collins as Dorothy Prentice

            Jessie Ralph as Mrs. Blake

            Frank Conroy as District Attorney Farley

            Stanley Andrews as Judge

            Herman Bing as Klein the Antique Dealer

            Georgia Caine as Mrs. Newton

            Sam Flint as Dr.Lyons

            Billy Gilbert as Barney the Cafe Owner

            Sherry Hall as Court Clerk

            Howard Hickman as Mr. Whitlock

            Samuel S. Hinds as Newton

            John Hyams as Mr. Humphreys

            Perry Ivins as Dr. Gillette

            Crauford Kent as Guest

            Francis McDonald as Charles the Chauffeur

            Wilbur Mack
            
            Sam McDaniel as Porter

            Jack Mulhall as Gregory

            Pat O'Malley as Det. Pat Thompson

            Garry Owen
            
            Milton A. Owen as Waiter

            Bob Perry as Juryman

            Matty Roubert as Newsboy

            Larry Steers as Diner

            Phil Tead as Reporter

            Richard Tucker as Mr. Dillingham

            Ruth Warren as Miss Meade John Prentice's Secretary

            Clarence H. Wilson as Public Defender

            J.P. McGowan as Det. Mack Clark

            Mariska Aldrich as Matron

            Cactus Jack Mack as Albert the Butler
See full cast