The Kiss Before the Mirror
Director: James Whale
Actors: Nancy Carroll, Frank Morgan, Paul Lukas
PlotA prominent attorney is tasked with defending his best friend who is on trial for the murder of his unfaithful wife. As the defense unfolds, the attorney delves into the tragic love affair that led to the crime, seeking to expose the emotions and motives that compelled his friend to such a drastic act. In the process of preparing his case, he discovers unsettling parallels between his own marriage and his friend's situation. These revelations ignite suspicion regarding his own wife's fidelity. Doubts and jealousy cloud his judgment as he probes deeper into the idea of marital betrayal, which brings a personal dimension to the trial.
Faced with this inner turmoil, the attorney must not only advocate convincingly for his friend but also confront the harrowing suspicion about his own domestic life. His obsession with the case grows as he becomes increasingly entangled in the psychological complexities of love, trust, and betrayal. The courtroom becomes a battleground not just for legal arguments but also for the attorney's conscience as he grapples with moral dilemmas and the potential impact of infidelity on human behavior. As tensions rise both in court and at home, he must decide whether to continue pushing these bounds or address the spiraling crisis threatening to unhinge his own life.
Writers: Ladislas Fodor, William Anthony McGuire, Emil Forst
Release Date: 04 May 1933
Runtime: 69 min
Rating: Approved
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Kino Lorber's Blu-ray of 'The Kiss Before the Mirror' offers a stunning 2K transfer despite mixed audio, highlighting its engaging performances and style.
Read our review of The Kiss Before the Mirror Blu-ray to find out more