Infernal Machine poster
FilmComedy

Infernal Machine (1933)

1933-04-08 · 1h 5m · EN
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With one kiss he stole a rich man's fiancèe and rescued a ship from an explosion that never happened...what a man!!!

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.

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Media

Top billed cast

Full cast & crew →
Chester MorrisChester MorrisRobert HoldenGenevieve TobinGenevieve TobinElinor GreenVictor JoryVictor JoryAlfred DoreenElizabeth PattersonElizabeth PattersonElinor's AuntEdward Van SloanEdward Van SloanProfessor Gustabve HoffmanJosephine WhittellJosephine WhittellMme. AlbiniJames BellJames BellSpencerArthur HohlArthur HohlShip's CaptainMischa AuerMischa AuerKleinLeonard CareyLeonard CareyHansJ. Carrol NaishJ. Carrol NaishBryan

Keywords

BombScrewball comedyAnarchistPre-code

Movie DNA

Genre affinityComedyTheme affinityBomb · Screwball Comedy · AnarchistDialogue densityComedyPacingShortDirector preference341496Actor preference314165 · 280627 · 203396

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Frequently asked questions about Infernal Machine

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.

How long is Infernal Machine?

Infernal Machine has a runtime of 65 minutes.