King for a Night (1933)
A pre-Code Hollywood crime drama about a boxer whose ambitions are shattered when loyalty to his sister pulls him into a murder case.
King for a Night - Movie Information
- Original Title: King for a Night
- Release Year: 1933
- Directed by: Kurt Neumann
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 18m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 9, 1933 (United States - NR), July 12, 1935 (France)
- Alternative Titles: Vasilias gia mia nyhta (GR), Son dernier combat (FR), Rei de uma Noite (BR), Fallet Kid Williams (SE)
- Production Companies: Universal Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
King for a Night - Plot
A cocky prizefighter on his way to the bigtime in New York comes crashing down when his sister is involved in a murder and he takes the blame.
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King for a Night - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kurt Neumann
Main Cast
- Chester Morris
- Helen Twelvetrees
- Alice White
- John Miljan
- Grant Mitchell
- Frank Albertson
- George Meeker
- Warren Hymer
- Maxie Rosenbloom
- John Sheehan
Writers
- William Anthony McGuire
- Jack O'Donnell
- Scott Pembroke
Producers
- Carl Laemmle Jr.
King for a Night - FAQs
What is King for a Night about?
King for a Night follows Bud Williams, a brash and ambitious prizefighter climbing the ranks in New York. His promising career is derailed when his sister Lillian becomes entangled in a murder case and Bud, out of loyalty, steps forward to take the blame, setting off a chain of dire consequences.
Who are the main actors in King for a Night?
King for a Night stars Chester Morris as boxer Bud Williams and Helen Twelvetrees as his sister Lillian. The supporting cast includes Alice White, John Miljan, Grant Mitchell, Frank Albertson, George Meeker, Warren Hymer, Maxie Rosenbloom, and John Sheehan.
Who directed King for a Night?
King for a Night was directed by Kurt Neumann, a German-born filmmaker who worked extensively in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. Neumann was known for his efficient direction of genre pictures, and this pre-Code crime drama is among his early American studio efforts for Universal Pictures.
Is King for a Night based on a true story?
King for a Night is not based on a specific true story. The screenplay, written by William Anthony McGuire, Jack O'Donnell, and Scott Pembroke, presents an original crime narrative centered on a boxer who sacrifices himself to protect his sister from a murder charge.
When was King for a Night released?
King for a Night was released in the United States on December 9, 1933. It later received a release in France on July 12, 1935, where it was known as Son dernier combat. The film was produced and distributed by Universal Pictures during the pre-Code Hollywood era.
What is the age rating for King for a Night?
King for a Night carries a Not Rated (NR) classification, as it was produced in 1933 before the strict enforcement of the Hays Code. As a pre-Code Hollywood film, it may contain themes and content — including crime, moral ambiguity, and adult situations — that were later restricted under the Production Code.
How long is King for a Night?
King for a Night has a runtime of 78 minutes, making it a compact and fast-paced crime drama typical of the pre-Code Hollywood era. The film's brisk running time keeps the story moving efficiently from Bud Williams' rise in the boxing world to his dramatic downfall.
What are some movies similar to King for a Night?
Viewers who enjoy King for a Night may also appreciate other crime and noir-tinged dramas such as Frailty (2002), Sea of Love (1989), and Edge of Darkness (2010). These films share themes of moral compromise, loyalty under pressure, and characters caught in dangerous criminal circumstances beyond their control.
More About King for a Night
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