Woman Accused
A suspenseful Pre-Code mystery where Cary Grant edges closer to stardom.
Editorial ratings
- Cary Grant
- Story
- Direction
- Cinematography
- Entertainment
- Historical importance
Featured quote
“An essential transitional film documenting Grant's emergence as a leading man.”
Introduction
A stylish Paramount mystery blending romance, suspense, and psychological drama.
The Story
Jeff Baxter helps Glenda O'Brien clear her name while uncovering the truth behind a murder accusation.
Production & Behind the Scenes
Adapted from Edgar Wallace and photographed by Karl Struss with elegant Paramount production values.
Cary Grant's Performance
Grant displays effortless confidence, sincerity, and romantic authority.
Paul Sloane's Direction & Themes
Trust, justice, moral courage, and appearances versus reality shape the suspense.
Historical Context
Produced during the final full year of Hollywood's Pre-Code era, just before Grant's breakthrough.
Legacy & Influence
Today appreciated as one of Grant's key transitional performances.
Gallery
Production & release
Late 1932
Production begins at Paramount.
January 27, 1933
Woman Accused released theatrically.
February 1933
She Done Him Wrong premieres, launching Grant's stardom.
Mid-1934
Production Code enforcement begins, ending the Pre-Code era.
Today
Recognized as a key transitional Cary Grant film.
Cast.
Nancy Carroll as Glenda O'Brien
Cary Grant as Jeffrey Baxter
John Halliday as Stephen Bessemer
Louis Calhern as Leo Young
Irving Pichel as District Attorney Clark
Norma Mitchell as Martha
Jack La Rue as Little Maxie
Other studies.
Cary Grant delivers one of the most compassionate performances of his career as Dr. Noah Praetorius, an unconventional physician whose humanity is tested by prejudice, rumor, and institutional politics.
Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn create one of cinema's most elegant romantic mysteries—a thrilling game of deception, danger, and unexpected love.