Directed by A. R. Harwood Written by A. R. Harwood Starring James Alexander Director A. R. Harwood Producer A. R. Harwood | Produced by A. R. Harwood Based on story by Betty Davies Initial release 26 September 1931 | |
Cinematography Leslie McCallumEd Eintle Cast Guy Hastings, Fred Patey, Russell Cramer, Norman Balmer Screenplay A. R. Harwood, Betty Roland | ||
Spur of the moment in too deep
Spur of the Moment is a 1931 Australian film directed by A. R. Harwood. It was one of the first Australian talking movies.
Contents
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.
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.
The story was written by Melbourne playwright Betty Roland using the name "Betty Davies". Filming began in June 1931 after a rehearsal period.
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."
The cast included Helene Best, daughter of Australian politician, Sir Robert Best.