This British drama tells the story of Maximus, a stage clairvoyant whose act depends on subtle signals from his wife, Rene. After a chance encounter with a stranger, Maximus discovers he can suddenly foresee real events without assistance. His newfound power leads to fame, but also entangles him in public scandals, personal troubles, and a murder case, threatening his career and marriage.
Genre: Drama, Mystery
Director: Maurice Elvey
Maurice Elvey (1887–1967) was one of Britain’s most prolific film directors, with a career spanning the silent and sound eras. Known for his adaptability across genres, he directed over 200 films, ranging from comedies and thrillers to literary adaptations. Elvey’s work was central to the development of early British cinema, and he often collaborated with top British stars of the time.
Star Cast:
- Claude Rains as Maximus
- Fay Wray as Rene
- Jane Baxter as Christine
- C. V. France as Uncle Burton
- Mary Clare as Lady Barrett
- Athole Stewart as Hughie
- Felix Aylmer as Prosecutor
The film was praised for its intriguing premise and strong central performance by Claude Rains, fresh from his Hollywood success in The Invisible Man (1933). Audiences were drawn to its mix of drama and mystery, while critics noted its thoughtful exploration of fate, chance, and human ambition.
Fun Facts:
- The film is based on the novel The Clairvoyant by Ernst Lothar.
- Fay Wray, best remembered for King Kong (1933), made several British films during this period.
- The story draws on public fascination with spiritualism and psychic phenomena, which were popular themes in the interwar years.
- Claude Rains was still establishing his career in Britain before moving more permanently into Hollywood productions.
- The courtroom scenes were shot at Islington Studios in London, a key hub for British filmmaking in the 1930s.
Subscribe to our Rumble Channel for daily updates. Click here to register if you don't have a Rumble account.
