Spur of the Moment (film)

Spur of the Moment
Directed by A. R. Harwood
Produced by A. R. Harwood
Written by A. R. Harwood
Based on story by Betty Davies
Starring James Alexander
Cinematography Leslie McCallum
Ed Eintle
Production
company
A. R. Harwood Talkie Productions
Release dates
26 September 1931
Running time
50 mins
Country Australia

Spur of the Moment is a 1931 Australian film directed by A. R. Harwood. It was one of the first Australian talking movies.[1]

Plot

A wealthy socialite, Claire Rutherford (Beatrice Touzeau), visits her former lover, Tony Iredale (James Alexander), one night. The next day Tony is arrested for the murder of a bookmaker the night before. In order to protect Claire's reputation, Tony remains silent. However a Scotland Yard detective in Melbourne on holiday (William Green) manages to trap the killer.[2]

Production

Harwood had attempted to make Australia's first talking movie, Out of the Shadows in 1931 but been unable to complete it. However he managed to secure backing from a Melbourne businessman to fund two low-budget films, this and Isle of Intrigue (1931) made in an old factory hat 61 Staley St West Melbourne which had been converted into a sound studio.[3][4]

The story was written by Melbourne playwright Betty Roland using the name "Betty Davies".[5][6] Filming began in June 1931 after a rehearsal period.[7]

Reception

A contemporary review said the script "leaves several matters unexplained, and the eventual confession of the murderer is scarcely convincing... [it] depends almost entirely upon dialogue, and scarcely at all upon action."[2]

The cast included Helene Best, daughter of Australian politician, Sir Robert Best.[8]

Cast

References

  1. "AUSTRALIAN TALKIES.". The West Australian (Perth: National Library of Australia). 16 October 1931. p. 2. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  2. 1 2 "CINEMA NOTES.". The Mercury (Hobart, Tas.: National Library of Australia). 6 November 1931. p. 5. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  3. "AUSTRALIA WEEK AT LYCEUM.". The Brisbane Courier (National Library of Australia). 18 November 1931. p. 20. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  4. "No. 1. Our Chances for World Markets.". Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic. : 1885 - 1939) (Melbourne, Vic.: National Library of Australia). 17 August 1933. p. 7. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  5. "A WOMAN'S LETTER.". The Cairns Post (Qld.: National Library of Australia). 15 October 1931. p. 8. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  6. Andrew Pike and Ross Cooper, Australian Film 1900–1977: A Guide to Feature Film Production, Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 1998 p154
  7. "THE PICTURES.". The Argus (Melbourne: National Library of Australia). 16 June 1931. p. 13. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  8. "CINEMA NOTES.". The Mercury (Hobart, Tas.: National Library of Australia). 19 June 1931. p. 5. Retrieved 5 April 2012.

External links


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