The Story of Temple Drake (1933)

The Story of Temple Drake: Directed by Stephen Roberts. With Miriam Hopkins, William Gargan, Jack La Rue, Florence Eldridge. A wealthy but neurotic Southern belle finds herself trapped in the hideout of a gang of vicious bootleggers. The gang’s leader lusts after her, and is determined not to let anything stand in the way of his having her.

“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 wouldnu0026#39;t be seen in movies for decades after, this sin-fest features rape, murder and many other shocking events with a frank candor. Even the advertising for the film was lurid, just look at the poster to get an idea of how the film was sold. 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 itu0026#39;s a shame that behind the scenes she was such a difficult and brazen up-stager that it irrevocably damaged her career and shortened her star period.”