

Infernal Machine
“With one kiss he stole a rich man's fiancèe and rescued a ship from an explosion that never happened...what a man!!!”
Synopsis
This pre-Code comedy-thriller centers on Robert Holden, a broke and discouraged veteran, who meets fellow American Elinor Green at a cafe in Paris. After their first encounter, Holden's attempt to return Green's thought-to-be stolen purse ends up rendering him a stowaway on board a ship bound for America. Also aboard is a collection of characters, including Green's banker fiancé, a famed scientist, and an opera singer. Romance begins to blossom between Holden and Green, just as a radiogram claims that an “infernal machine,” or bomb, is aboard the ship. Quickly each passenger accuses the others of planting the bomb until eventually Holden, jealous of Green's attention to her undeserving fiancé, falsely admits to being the culprit. In his role as assumed perpetrator, Holden tests the group further.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Release History & Theatrical Window
April 8, 1933
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Marcel Varnel
- Screenplay & Story
- Arthur Kober, Karl Sloboda
- Original Title
- Infernal Machine
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 5m
- Production Studios
- Fox Film Corporation
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Marcel Varnel
Arthur Kober, Karl Sloboda
George Schneiderman
Ralph Dixon
Department Leadership Roster
Marcel Varnel
Director
Arthur Kober
Writer
George Schneiderman
Director of Photography
Rita Kaufman
Costume Design
Ralph Dixon
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Infernal Machine.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Infernal Machine
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Infernal Machine about?
This pre-Code comedy-thriller centers on Robert Holden, a broke and discouraged veteran, who meets fellow American Elinor Green at a cafe in Paris. After their first encounter, Holden's attempt to return Green's thought-to-be stolen purse ends up rendering him a stowaway on board a ship bound for America. Also aboard is a collection of characters, including Green's banker fiancé, a famed scientist, and an opera singer. Romance begins to blossom between Holden and Green, just as a radiogram claims that an “infernal machine,” or bomb, is aboard the ship. Quickly each passenger accuses the others of planting the bomb until eventually Holden, jealous of Green's attention to her undeserving fiancé, falsely admits to being the culprit. In his role as assumed perpetrator, Holden tests the group further.
Who directed Infernal Machine?
Infernal Machine was directed by Marcel Varnel.
Who stars in Infernal Machine?
The principal cast of Infernal Machine includes Chester Morris, Genevieve Tobin, Victor Jory, Elizabeth Patterson, Edward Van Sloan.
When was Infernal Machine released and how long is it?
Infernal Machine was released in 1933 with a total runtime of 1h 5m.
Is Infernal Machine based on a book or true story?
Infernal Machine is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Karl Sloboda".



















