The Perfect Crime (1928 film)

The Perfect Crime is a 1928 American sound part-talkie crime drama film directed by Bert Glennon and starring Clive Brook, Irene Rich and Ethel Wales.[1] The film is loosely based on the 1892 novel The Big Bow Mystery by Israel Zangwill.

The Perfect Crime
Directed byBert Glennon
Written by
Based onThe Big Bow Mystery
by Israel Zangwill
Produced byWilliam LeBaron
Starring
CinematographyJames Wong Howe
Edited byArchie Marshek
Production
company
Distributed by
Release date
  • August 4, 1928 (1928-08-04)
Running time
83 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguagesSound (Part-talkie)
English intertitles

The film is important historically as it was the first sound feature to be released by FBO. It was the first feature film not produced by either Warner Bros. or Fox Film to contain synchronized sound, also being the first non-Warner feature to contain any talking sequences.

Plot

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A criminologist sets out to prove there is such a thing as a perfect crime, and commits a murder without leaving any clues. However, when an innocent man is arrested for the crime, he is presented with a moral dilemma.

Cast

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Production

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In addition to sequences with audible dialogue or talking sequences, the film features a synchronized musical score and sound effects along with English intertitles. The soundtrack was recorded using the RCA Photophone sound-on-film system.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Wlaschin p.176

Bibliography

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  • Ken Wlaschin. Silent Mystery and Detective Movies: A Comprehensive Filmography. McFarland, 2009.
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