Kid Dabb Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 I can see the Production Code adhered to by Hollywood had no effect on British productions. Here we have poor Larry who's accidentally killed Henry - Wanda's long missing husband who has turned up, quite unexpectedly, to mooch money from his wife, but instead pursues blackmail and is "accidentally" killed for his troubles. An innocent man is tried for Larry's dirty deed and the rest of the story is about how he will not let this innocent man take the fall and be hanged in his stead. The ending has the innocent man released - found not guilty. Larry and Wanda are incredibly relieved and live happily ever after. But where is Larry's conscience concerning his killing of Wanda's husband? We are supposed to believe he carries no remorse or guilt for this crime? It's all just washed away into a make believe world. Larry has not been made to pay for his crime(s). So much for the Code. I did enjoy the movie. Olivier has good screen presence in films of this era, and his acting is, as always, excellent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slaytonf Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 From my perspective, I wouldn't put quotes around accidental. He feels no remorse, because the death occurred as part of a struggle, not an intentional act. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Faiola Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 I just saw this and my jaw dropped at the finale. Legion of Decency gave it A-1 for its U.S. release by Columbia in 1940. Originally released in the U.K. in 1938 as THE FIRST-THE LAST. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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