The Public Defender
“A powerful plea for justice. The scales weigh the balance-on one side "Justice for the Rich"-on the other side "Ignominy for the poor." On which side will it balance?”
Synopsis
When bank president Leslie Morrison dips into the till, he seeks to place the blame on bank clerk David Moulton by altering the figures in Moulton's books. He lays his plan carefully, but upon leaving the building late one night, Morrison falls into an elevator shaft and is killed. Moulton, the one man known to have been there, is charged with murder and tried by district attorney Robert Murdock. Unable to afford a competent defense, Moulton is convicted and sentenced to die in an electric chair. However, Mary Reed, a stenographer who loves Moulton, appeals as a last resort to the newly elected public defender, Arthur Nelson. Nelson investigates the case and discovers evidence on the very eve of the execution, evidence that will warrant a stay. Rescued from death in the nick of time, Moulton is granted a new trial under the supervision of the public defender and is found innocent.
Top Cast
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Frank Keenan
Robert Murdock
Alma Hanlon
Mary Reed
Robert Edeson
Arthur Nelson
John St. Polis
David Moulton
Florence Short
Rose Moulton
Louis Stern
Leslie Morrison
Tex La Grove
Walter Holmes
Harry Kingsley
Arthur Stevens
Helen Conwell
'Queenie' La Mar
James E. Sullivan
Father O'Malley
F.A. Cronin
James Whalon
John O'Keefe
John Hartley
John K. Roberts
'Billy' Means
Release History & Theatrical Window
November 3, 1917
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Burton L. King
- Screenplay & Story
- Fred Rath
- Original Title
- The Public Defender
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- No Language
- Runtime
- 1h 0m
- Production Studios
- Harry Raver Inc.
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Burton L. King
Fred Rath, Mayer C. Goldman, Frank W. Harris
Harry Raver
Department Leadership Roster
Burton L. King
Director
Fred Rath
Screenplay
Harry Raver
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Public Defender.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Public Defender
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Public Defender about?
When bank president Leslie Morrison dips into the till, he seeks to place the blame on bank clerk David Moulton by altering the figures in Moulton's books. He lays his plan carefully, but upon leaving the building late one night, Morrison falls into an elevator shaft and is killed. Moulton, the one man known to have been there, is charged with murder and tried by district attorney Robert Murdock. Unable to afford a competent defense, Moulton is convicted and sentenced to die in an electric chair. However, Mary Reed, a stenographer who loves Moulton, appeals as a last resort to the newly elected public defender, Arthur Nelson. Nelson investigates the case and discovers evidence on the very eve of the execution, evidence that will warrant a stay. Rescued from death in the nick of time, Moulton is granted a new trial under the supervision of the public defender and is found innocent.
Who directed The Public Defender?
The Public Defender was directed by Burton L. King.
Who stars in The Public Defender?
The principal cast of The Public Defender includes Frank Keenan, Alma Hanlon, Robert Edeson, John St. Polis, Florence Short.
When was The Public Defender released and how long is it?
The Public Defender was released in 1917 with a total runtime of 1h 0m.
Is The Public Defender based on a book or true story?
The Public Defender is adapted from the following source material: Book: "Mayer C. Goldman".