Cross Examination (1932) / Defenders of The Law (1931) (Law & Order Double Feature)

Cross Examination (1932, B&W): Wealthy Emory Wells is shot to death in his mansion. The prime suspect, David Wells, who was overheard arguing with Emory just before the shooting, is arrested for murder. In the sensational trial that follows, it becomes evident that David is hiding something from the court. His refusal to answer questions under oath threatens to send him to the gallows.

Prolific writer-director Richard Thorpe brought this gripping courtroom drama to the screen in 1932. Already a veteran film-maker with scores of silent films to his credit, Thorpe went on to direct many classics, including The Adventures of Huck Finn (1939), Tarzan Finds a Son (1939), Tarzan's New York Adventure (1942), Ivanhoe (1952) and Jailhouse Rock (1957).

Defenders of the Law (1931, B&W): East coast mob boss Joe Velet flies to Los Angeles, scheming to cut in on local gangland operations. Standing in his way is an old army buddy who took the high road after leaving the service - Police Captain Bill Houston. Velet also underestimates the opposition from the West Coast syndicate. He and his thugs are soon besieged by both cops and crooks, all determined to stop him. In desperation, Velet kidnaps the daughter of the police commissioner. Hoping to bargain his way to safety, the gangster instead triggers a deadly firestorm.Mae Busch, who appears here as an undercover policewoman, was already well known for playing Oliver Hardy's shrewish wife in several films, and had a well-deserved reputation for her skill in "crockery throwing."

• drama