Is The Defense Rests Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Defense Rests is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 70 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Defense Rests Review
Last updated: January 9, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1934, The Defense Rests enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on A sleazy lawyer's female assistant sets out to end his cheating ways. Under the direction of Lambert Hillyer, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Jack Holt, Jean Arthur, Nat Pendleton. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, The Defense Rests offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, The Defense Rests is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 7/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Drama, Crime, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of The Defense Rests
- Jack Holt – Matthew Mitchell
- Jean Arthur – Joan Hayes
- Nat Pendleton – Rocky
- Arthur Hohl – James Randolph
- Raymond Walburn – Austin
Top Highlights
Jack HoltMatthew Mitchell
Jean ArthurJoan Hayes
Nat PendletonRocky
Arthur HohlJames Randolph
Raymond WalburnAustin
Harold HuberCastro
Robert GlecklerLou Gentry
Sarah PaddenMrs. Evans
Shirley GreyMabel Wilson
Donald MeekFogg
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, The Defense Rests stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1934 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Defense Rests movie hit or flop?
The Defense Rests is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, Crime movies.
Is The Defense Rests worth watching?
Yes, The Defense Rests is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, Crime cinema.
What genre is The Defense Rests?
The Defense Rests is a Drama, Crime movie that A sleazy lawyer's female assistant sets out to end his cheating ways....
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Critic Reviews
"Joan Hayes" (Jean Arthur) is employed by hotshot criminal lawyer "Mitchell" (Jack Holt) just as he heads to court for what we are sure will be his 38th straight victory. Following a kidnapping, though, "Mrs Evans" (Sarah Padden) comes to visit and as her boss is busy, she is seen by the new and keen "Joan" who begins to piece two and two together and conclude that her butter-wouldn't-melt employer is maybe not quite the shining light he purports to be. Armed with some damning evidence, she confronts him - but events elsewhere overtake their stand-off and soon the fate of a man facing the chair is front and centre of the story. That story is a bit more substantial than many of these standard afternoon features with a rather beefier part for Arthur and a decent chemistry between the two as things get messy and dangerous. Add a couple of mob heavies and maybe just a hint of integrity and this makes for quite an enjoyable seventy minutes of crime-noir.