Review of The Story of Temple Drake (1933) by Jay N — 13 Sep 2011

Provocative and racy this hard to find film is loaded with infamy. If you started watching not knowing it was a pre-code it would only take a few minutes to realized it. Full of a wantonness and sense of depravity that wouldn"t be seen in movies for decades after this sinfest features rape, murder and many other shocking events with a frank candor.

Many of the cast are rather ham handed in their portrayals, William Gargan in particular, but Miriam Hopkins lights up the screen with a vibrant sensuality and a compelling presence. A truly talented actress it's a shame that behind the scenes she was such a difficult and brazen upstager that it irrevocably damaged her career and shortened her star period.