As stated on the website, Universal owns all the Paramount films made between 1929-49, and like most of the others, this one presumably sits on a shelf collecting dust. That's a shame, because this picture must be one of Paramount's best features - even at the age of 80. I imagine Universal feels it is too dated, but it is not. The ensemble cast are today all forgotten, but they had relevance in 1932, and all turn in outstanding performances. Starting with Charles Grapewin and all the way down the credits to Arthur Hohl, acting is several cuts above the norm.
If you read the summary or read through contributor's reviews, you think it plays like "Peyton Place" or a TV soap opera - but you'd be wrong. It is a character study set in a suburban neighborhood but with greater depth and plot development than either of the above. It is also a crime drama, and not really a mystery as shown on the title page. We are privy to the lives of nearly all of the characters, and this is accomplished in 76 minutes in a plot that is as absorbing and engrossing as well as concise.
Previous reviewers have rehashed the storyline, but you need to see it for yourself to get the full effect; It is way better than it sounds. Charles Grapewin and Mary Boland are outstanding, as is Arthur Hohl in a smaller role. "The Night Of June 13" is a sadly neglected gem from Paramount via Universal and which sits in a vault at Universal City.
Shown at Capitolfest, Rome N.Y., 8/12.
If you read the summary or read through contributor's reviews, you think it plays like "Peyton Place" or a TV soap opera - but you'd be wrong. It is a character study set in a suburban neighborhood but with greater depth and plot development than either of the above. It is also a crime drama, and not really a mystery as shown on the title page. We are privy to the lives of nearly all of the characters, and this is accomplished in 76 minutes in a plot that is as absorbing and engrossing as well as concise.
Previous reviewers have rehashed the storyline, but you need to see it for yourself to get the full effect; It is way better than it sounds. Charles Grapewin and Mary Boland are outstanding, as is Arthur Hohl in a smaller role. "The Night Of June 13" is a sadly neglected gem from Paramount via Universal and which sits in a vault at Universal City.
Shown at Capitolfest, Rome N.Y., 8/12.