The Sin of Nora Moran (1933)

You won't be disappointed!

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

it is finally so absorbing because it plays like a lyrical road odyssey that’s also a detective story.

I like (many) pre-code movies, simply because you never know what might happen. Quite a contrast to the formulaic stuff that was produced after 1935 (approx.) and, for those who think the 'Hayes' code is dead, the assembly-line production of rom-coms since 1990 rigidly stick to the same drivel: about 20 minutes from the end, a disagreement causes the intended couple to split, but miraculously re-unite by the final curtain. Nauseating.Sins of Norah Moran is a bit melodramatic in places, esp. in the early going, but Majestic Studios (one of the so-called 'Poverty Row' film-makers, who rented space and equipment from the mainstream guys to keep costs down) weaved a melancholy tale here of a sad-sack orphan who grows up only to have the 'system' beat her down. She stands accused of murdering a former co-worker at the circus (he sexually assaulted her - a modern screenplay might have her nominated for Congress), and facing a death sentence. Her recent 'governor' boyfriend probably did it, but will Nora blow the whistle? I was struck by how the 'governor', a married man, cavorts so openly with this pretty young girl - were the 'Press' so under control during this era or was there just so much of this 'running-around' going on that the gov could hide in plain sight?In time, he sees her at a 'kept' home every Friday & Monday - it kind of blows up when his wife finds a stack of unsigned love letters. The script makes no effort to condemn Nora or the Governor for their dallying, but, of course, it's poor Nora who will face severe consequences when the villain is suitably dispatched. Dang it-where's Perry Mason when you need him?But that's pre-code: anything can happen. That's what makes it so interesting. Great camera work & use of flashbacks & voice-overs. Experimental. Unorthodox. Compelling. Kudos to TCM for reviving interest in this era. 8/10

The cellblock tango that the title character here really is her dance of death as she faces her tragic past during the last hours of her life. Told through her fading mind while under a mind-altering sedative, the film mixes some pretty impressive special effects with an outstanding screenplay that documents her life from being adopted by an elderly couple to their tragic death, her attempts to become a dancer in New York, subsequently working in the circus, the tragic rape by a rather salacious lion tamer (John Miljan), and ultimately, her affair with a powerful politician who becomes governor. The back story is told through the sympathetic D.A. who just happens to be the brother of the governor's wife, maliciously determined to destroy the woman who wrote the anonymous letters to her husband.The heroine is gloomily played by Zita Johann, but if your life had the issues of hers, you'd be gloomy too. She is as equally moody as her character from "The Mummy", only showing any sort of happiness when she's with her lover (Paul Cavanagh) who also gets the chance to explain his side of the story to the audience. Claire Du Brey is Cavanaugh's wife, although they never share a scene together, simply seen sitting in brother Alan Dinehart's office listening to his story of the heroine's life. At first, the flashbacks show Dinehart as rather hard-boiled and Du Brey is definitely initially perceived as a vindictive fish wife, both using Cavanaugh for their own gains. There certainly isn't any love lost between the governor and his wife (only insinuated through his love for Johann and Du Brey's controlling personality), so as the story unfolds, it is obvious that she will have to open up her eyes to why he strayed.This film only challenges credibility a few times, but is mesmerizing throughout. For a Majestic film, it is also preserved extremely well and never drags or crackles and pops like many poverty row films. For a story that has been done over and over again, this one ranks as one of the best of the doomed dame films and is certainly deserving of moving up the ranks to become a classic beyond the exploitation theme it seems to have been promoted as.

MAJESTIC PICTURES in their short Hollywood production life 1930-35 made excellent small films using sets at other studios. This meant they could use those facilities and instead spend big on actors and crew. Without studio overheads their input concentrated on finding and using excellent A grade sets and costumes and facilities without owning them. As a result their films had an RKO or MGM look. Actors would be called to make a film at RKO and find it a Majestic title ensuring constant work on a big lot but maybe for a minor player. This allowed Majestic to get A tech and image at a bargain rate and not embarrass their desired actors. However in this film they even excelled themselves and most Hollywood majors studio style in creating a unique melancholy almost- noir nightmare of doomed love and honor... and all the emotional treachery that goes with it. Somewhere between SORRY WRONG NUMBER and DETOUR and overlapping time shift of PULP FICTION, this film THE SIN OF NORA MORAN uses those techniques and techniques of voice over, flashback and sad romance with equal parts hangman's noose, resigned fate and deceit. What a find! THE SIN OF NORA MORAN is a film school textbook of economic film making and could easily stand an upgraded remake today. Excellent! Treat yourself!. Good restored UCLA DVD too. Zita Johan in the lead part as Nora is simply exquisite and her melancholy tone throughout is most effective. Her sin? Being born.

This should be an excellent weeper, but it doesn't come off. Too much of the story is told by narration and the performances are flat and, in the case of lead Zita Johann, far too frequently leaden -- as often happens with a good actor, an apparently deliberate but boring choice. The cinematography is excellent, although the 'talking heads' finale is a bizarre choice.