The Mouthpiece (1932)

A little trivia is called for when discussing "The Mouthpiece" from 1932, or several other films, for that matter. Many films were based on the life of attorney William Fallon, whose biography was published in 1931 and whose story was told in an earlier book, In the Reign of Rothstein by Donald Henderson Clarke in 1929.

During an eight-month period, audiences saw characters based on Fallon appear in a variety of films: Lawyer Man (William Powell), Edmund Lowe for Columbia in Attorney for the Defense; and John Barrymore for RKO in State's Attorney; and For the Defense, again with William Powell.

The Mouthpiece itself was remade as The Man Who Talked Too Much with George Brent in 1940, and Illegal starring Edward G. Robinson in 1955.

The Mouthpiece was a huge hit and made Warren William a star at Warners. The story concerns an attorney, Vince Day, who prosecutes a man for murder. The man is condemned to death, but at the last minute someone confesses. However, the warden was not able to stop the execution in time.

Devastated, Day turns into a seedy defense attorney for low-lifes. He becomes enamored of an underage woman with no secretarial skills whom he hires to the disgust of his devoted secretary (Aline McMahan). Gradually he sees the errors of his ways, but it's hard to extricate oneself from the mob.

Warren William was always wonderful, and he's no different in this - he could bring charm and humor to any role as well as the drama. This film, as others have pointed out, was a real showcase for him.

Aline McMahon again proves what an underrated actress she was. She shines here in what might have been just an ordinary part.

Very dramatic film with good performances all around, and this is a real star turn for William.

For another take on this story, I recommend Illegal (1955) which I liked a little better.