Sucker Money (1933)
A pre-Code Hollywood thriller where a fake swami, hypnosis, and a dogged reporter collide in a tale of greed and deception.
Sucker Money - Movie Information
- Original Title: Sucker Money
- Release Year: 1933
- Directed by: Dorothy Davenport, Melville Shyer
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Mystery, Romance
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 59m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 28, 1933 (United States - NR)
- Alternative Titles: Victims of the Beyond (UK)
- Production Companies: Willis Kent Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Sucker Money - Plot
A phony spiritualist hypnotizes the daughter of a wealthy banker in a scheme to swindle the banker out of his money. A reporter investigating the swami discovers the plot, determines to expose it.
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Sucker Money - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Dorothy Davenport
- Melville Shyer
Main Cast
- Mischa Auer
- Phyllis Barrington
- Earl McCarthy
- Ralph Lewis
- Fletcher Norton
- Mae Busch
- Mona Lisa
- Al Bridge
- J. Frank Glendon
- Anita Faye
Writers
- Willis Kent
Producers
- Willis Kent
Sucker Money - FAQs
Who plays the fake swami in Sucker Money?
Mischa Auer plays Swami Yomurda, the fraudulent spiritualist at the center of the story. Auer brings a wonderfully sinister energy to the role, making the swami both menacing and theatrical — a perfect villain for this pre-Code Hollywood con-artist tale.
What is Sucker Money about?
Sucker Money follows a phony swami who uses hypnosis on a wealthy banker's daughter to swindle her father out of his fortune. A determined newspaper reporter catches wind of the scam and sets out to expose the fraudster before more victims fall prey to his deceptive séances.
When was Sucker Money released?
Sucker Money was released on February 28, 1933, in the United States. It arrived during Hollywood's pre-Code era, a period when films could tackle darker, more provocative themes before the strict enforcement of the Motion Picture Production Code later in the decade.
Was Sucker Money directed by a woman?
Yes — Dorothy Davenport co-directed Sucker Money alongside Melville Shyer, making it a notable example of female filmmaking in early 1930s Hollywood. Davenport was a pioneering figure who wore multiple hats in the industry as an actress, director, and producer during that era.
Where can you stream Sucker Money today?
You can watch Sucker Money on Tubi TV for free with ads, or on Fawesome at no cost. If you prefer to own or rent it, Amazon Video has you covered. It's a great find for fans of classic pre-Code Hollywood cinema.
Who are the main actors in Sucker Money?
The cast is led by Mischa Auer as the villainous Swami Yomurda, with Phyllis Barrington as Clare Walton and Earl McCarthy as reporter Jimmy Reeves. Ralph Lewis, Mae Busch, Mona Lisa, Al Bridge, J. Frank Glendon, Fletcher Norton, and Anita Faye round out the ensemble.
How long is Sucker Money?
Sucker Money runs for 59 minutes, making it a compact and briskly paced pre-Code programmer. At under an hour, it wastes no time getting into the intrigue of séances, hypnosis, and the reporter's race to bring the fraudulent swami to justice.
Is Sucker Money based on a true story?
Sucker Money is not based on a specific documented true story, but it taps into very real anxieties of the era. Fraudulent spiritualists and fake mediums were a genuine social concern in the 1920s and 1930s, making the film's premise feel grounded and timely for Depression-era audiences.
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