Is Criminal Lawyer Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Criminal Lawyer is likely a skip if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 72 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Criminal Lawyer Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1937, Criminal Lawyer enters the Action genre with a narrative focused on Barry Brandon, a criminal lawyer, visits the night club of Denny Larkin, his primary client, with Betty Walker, a spoiled society girl. Under the direction of Edward Killy, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Lee Tracy. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Criminal Lawyer offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Criminal Lawyer resonates with current cultural themes in the Action space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, Criminal Lawyer is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Criminal Lawyer centers on a unique premise within the Action landscape. Barry Brandon, a criminal lawyer, visits the night club of Denny Larkin, his primary client, with Betty Walker, a spoiled society girl. The police raid the club and Brandon pleads that the whole group is guilty, just to get even with Larkin for a rebuke. On the same night in court, Madge Carter is on trial for disorderly conduct, and Brandon volunteers to defend her, and proves the case against her if a frame-up. Finding that she is penniless, Brandon hires her as his secretary, and falls in love with her. Brandon is appointed district attorney and has ambitions of becoming the state governor. Having dinner at Betty's home, she maneuvers him, while he is drunk, into marrying her. Later, Madge is a witness when Larkin shoots down a fellow gangster. By threatening Brandon's life, he forces her to commit perjury at his trial, and say he fired in self-defense. Brandon, the prosecuting attorney (who has had his marriage to Betty annulled) knows she is lying but doesn't know why. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1937 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Criminal Lawyer has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Criminal Lawyer sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Criminal Lawyer (1937): with an audience rating of 5.9/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Action, Romance, Drama, Crime cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Criminal Lawyer has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Action, Romance, Drama, Crime), viewers should expect violence, action sequences, mature themes, romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.9/10, and global collection metrics, Criminal Lawyer stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1937 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Criminal Lawyer movie hit or flop?
Criminal Lawyer has received mixed reviews with a 5.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Criminal Lawyer worth watching?
Criminal Lawyer is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Romance, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Criminal Lawyer online?
Criminal Lawyer may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Criminal Lawyer movie hit or flop?
Criminal Lawyer has received mixed reviews with a 5.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Criminal Lawyer worth watching?
Criminal Lawyer is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Romance, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Criminal Lawyer online?
Criminal Lawyer may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
What is the story of Criminal Lawyer?
Criminal Lawyer is a Action, Romance, Drama movie that follows: Barry Brandon, a criminal lawyer, visits the night club of Denny Larkin, his primary client, with Betty Walker, a spoiled society girl. The police raid the club and Brandon pleads that the whole group...
Is Criminal Lawyer family friendly?
Criminal Lawyer falls under Action, Romance, Drama, which often contain intense scenes. Parental discretion is advised.
What language is Criminal Lawyer available in?
Criminal Lawyer is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
Barry Brandon, a criminal lawyer, visits the night club of Denny Larkin, his primary client, with Betty Walker, a spoiled society girl. The police raid the club and Brandon pleads that the whole group is guilty, just to get even with Larkin for a rebuke. On the same night in court, Madge Carter is on trial for disorderly conduct, and Brandon volunteers to defend her, and proves the case against her if a frame-up. Finding that she is penniless, Brandon hires her as his secretary, and falls in love with her. Brandon is appointed district attorney and has ambitions of becoming the state governor. Having dinner at Betty's home, she maneuvers him, while he is drunk, into marrying her. Later, Madge is a witness when Larkin shoots down a fellow gangster. By threatening Brandon's life, he forces her to commit perjury at his trial, and say he fired in self-defense. Brandon, the prosecuting attorney (who has had his marriage to Betty annulled) knows she is lying but doesn't know why.
Critic Reviews
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