The Cheat

And yes, I know that "overlength" is a strange word for a 70-minute movie, but in this case it's true: the running time should have been about 30 minutes. As it is, the first half of "The Cheat" is pretty boring, though the branding sequence IS pretty steamy (no pun intended), and the whole film is well-directed and acted (even if the husband's character is a little too good to be true). ** out of 4.

"The Cheat" is a forgettable pre-Code film starring Talullah Bankhead as a woman who makes a "deal" with a rich rascal after her gambling problem lands her in serious money trouble (and potentially even bigger trouble with her husband), kills him in ambiguous circumstances and gets away with it. From a pre-Code aspect, her getting away with her crime is probably the most notable thing about the movie; the rest is maybe a little racy but fairly tame even compared to other pre-Code films of its time. Actually, the most notable thing about the film is that it appears on DVD as a double feature with "Merrily We Go to Hell," an excellent movie and one that is anything but forgettable. If you're going to get that film (and you should), you might as well watch this one while you're at it. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother seeking this one out on its own merits. Grade: C

A stunner for sure. Directed in 1931 by stage maestro George Abbott, THE CHEAT stars Tallulah Bankhead as a society girl who gets in way over head with an investment she cannot afford. She takes a loan from wealthy Irving Pichel and plenty of pre-code unsavoriness ensues. Bankhead, who gives one of her finest film performances, is great and she's well matched with Harvey Stephens as her husband. Stephens has the perfect blandness that the impossibly colorful Bankhead had a field day with. At 75 minutes, it's never dull and given the relatively small list of films that Bankhead appeared in, it's very worthwhile. Abbott and Bankhead also teamed for the equally melodramatic MY SIN the same year.

The ever-mesmerizing Tallulah Bankhead plays herself - a sassy, brassy flapper who has a wonderful handsome husband who loves her, but she wants more, more, more. During the Great Depression, he can't make enough money to afford her luxurious habits. Not only that but she has gotten in way over-her-head with gambling debts - what's a girl to do? In steps Hardy Livingstone, a smooth talker who has an Oriental obsession - as his house, servants, decor and parties all illustrate. He offers to help out with the debt but at a very high price. Nothing you haven't seen before but Tallulah really elevates this to a very enjoyable level, let's face it, she could read a prayer book and make it sound dangerous and sexy. Racy pre-code fun from 1931!

I found this film quite absorbing with a showy performance by Bankhead. She plays the "out-of-control" wife of a loving and up-standing young man (Harvey Stephens). Her gambling debts get her in hock with an untrustworthy admirer (Irving Pichel). Pichel's penchant for the more bizarre aspects of Oriental culture colors his and Tallulah's relationship into multiple arms of scandal. There is a great climax court room scene wherein Bankhead hams it up wonderfully. I'll say nothing more than that "sizzling flesh" is involved here. It must be seen to be believed. The photography and direction is nicely done and for a 1931 film everything moves along quite admirably.