For the Defense

1930·Movie
1h 5min·NR

Where to watch

No stream option in US yet.

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

For the Defense fingerprint

Strong craft, light on feelings.

Energy

Calm and low-key

  • Tension6
  • Adrenaline5
  • Fast Pace5

Heart

Romantic

  • Romance7
  • Nostalgia6
  • Melancholy5

Humor

Some sharp wit

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay6
  • Dark Humor4
  • Cringe Humor3

World

History and crime

  • Dialogue Centrality8
  • World Immersion7
  • Rewatchability6

Craft

Standout characters

  • Character Depth8
  • Intrigue8
  • Direction7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography6
  • Editing6
  • Music Composition5

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking

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About

Too CLEVER to be STRAIGHT

William Foster is a slick attorney who stays within the law, but specializes in representing crooks and shady characters. He's adept at keeping them out of jail, winning acquittals, and having decisions reversed, thus springing criminals out of prison. He is romantically involved with dancer Irene Manners, who is two-timing him, although she wants to marry him. She kills a man driving while out with her other man, Jack Defoe, who takes the blame. Unfortunately, a ring Foster had just given Irene is found at the crime scene. Foster ends up defending Jack, but when the ring is found, he thinks he is protecting Irene, so pleads guilty to jury tampering.
Pre-Code Crime DramaLawyer MoralityRomantic EntanglementsHistorical SettingBetrayal and SacrificeIntriguing Legal PlotCharacter-DrivenStrong DialogueMoral Ambiguity

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about For the Defense

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream For the Defense legally?

GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for For the Defense in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.

Is For the Defense worth watching?

46
MediocreGoodWatch score

Reviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 46/100 (IMDb 6.4). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is For the Defense rated?

NRViolence

It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence.

How long is For the Defense?

1 h 5 min

For the Defense runs 1 h 5 min.

What language is For the Defense in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

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