Hollywood From The Vault Double Feature: Cheating Blondes (1933) / Cheers of the Crowd (1935) – DVD

Cheating Blondes (1933, B&W): Pretty factory worker Anne Merrick is trying to resist violation at the hands of her lecherous neighbor when his gun discharges, and he is shot dead. Fearing the electric chair, the terrified girl goes into hiding. She finds shelter with Broadway producer Mike Goldfish, whose hit burlesque revue, has lost its star, Anne's identical twin, Elaine. Anne assumes Elaine's identity and the show continues. But she knows that sooner or later, the police will get wind of her deception. Her boyfriend, reporter Lawson Rolt, frantically works to find his missing paramour, and uncover the evidence that will save her from execution.

Gorgeous Thelma Todd was a school teacher and beauty contest winner who went on to become a star for Paramount. She appeared in over a hundred films, most notably the Marx Brother's comedy classics Horse Feathers (1932) and Duck Soup (1933). The scandalous controversy surrounding her mysterious death in 1935 at the height of her popularity has never been settled. Ruled a suicide by the coroner, claims that she was murdered by gangsters, her millionaire ex-husband Pat DiCicco, or current lover, director Roland West, were hotly debated. Stars Thelma Todd, Ralf Harolde, Inez Courtney, Mae Busch; Directed by Joseph Levering.

Cheers of the Crowd (1935, B&W): Theatrical publicity man, Lee Adams, comes up with a scheme to draw attention to a dying Broadway production. He hires an old carnival buddy, John Brady, to pretend to find a bag with $10,000 in it on the street and return it to the local police station. The story makes headlines, and soon the theater is packed with throngs wanting to catch a glimpse of "Honest" John Brady. Unfortunately, "Honest" John is wanted by the police for fraud, leaving Adams vulnerable to an extortion plot, as he desperately tries to shield his old pal from the authorities and prison. Stars Russell Hopton, Irene Ware; Directed by Vin Moore.

• mystery