Evelyn Prentice (1934) is drama starring Myrna Loy, William Powell, and Una Merkel. This was the third pairing between Loy and Powell; their collaborations would eventually lead to 14 films together.
Evelyn (Loy) is the neglected wife of defence attorney John (Powell). During a crucial trial John has an affair with a Mrs. Harrison (Rosalind Russell, in her film debut), and Evelyn decides to befriend down-on-his-luck writer, Larry (Harvey Stephens).
Her love affair is nothing more than friendship, but when he threatens to blackmail her with her letters, she commits an unspeakable crime in which his girlfriend is blamed for. Feeling guilty, Evelyn asks John to defend the poor woman in hope for absolution.
Tropes:
- Affair Letters: Evelyn wrote letters to Larry which he wants to use against her to blackmail her.
- Artistic License – Law: John prosecuting his own wife, changing his stance as a defender to a prosecutor mid-way through trial, and the fact that material witness shows up last minute and confesses. Oh, the drama!
- Blackmail: Larry plans to use Evelyn’s letters against her.Evelyn: There's nothing wrong in those letters. They were entirely innocent.Larry: Then why are you here?Evelyn: Because nothing is safe with a man like you.Larry: That's the most sensible observation you've made to date.
- Bowdlerise: The Hays Code’s fingerprints are all over this one. It’s clear that Evelyn was supposed to be the murderer but since the film was released after June 1934, she couldn’t be it and have a happy ending.
- Courtroom Drama: The major climax of the film takes place during Larry's murder trial.
- Deadpan Snarker: Amy, Evelyn's best friend. It helps that it's Una Merkel.
- Happily Ever After: Evelyn and Larry are able to repair their marriage and live happily with their daughter.
- Laser-Guided Karma: The evil blackmailer is murdered!
- Married to the Job: John works so much he neglects his wife and their home life.Evelyn: I'm sick and tired of the word: law. And everything that goes with it.
- Secret Relationship: Evelyn and Larry’s relationship. She’s starved for any sort of affection and Larry wants to prey on a rich woman for his schemes.
- Twist Ending: Evelyn didn’t kill Larry! It was his fiancé.
