The Star Witness

US (1931): Drama

William A. Wellman directs this drama about civic duty versus personal safety. The Leeds family (Frances Starr, Grant Mitchell, Sally Blane, Edward J. Nugent and Dickie Moore, et al.) is thrown right in the middle of a war between the cops and gangland when they are the only witnesses to two murders committed by gang kingpin Maxey Campo (Ralph Ince). Initially positive in their identification of the murderer, their attitudes change when young Donny Leeds (George Ernest) is kidnapped by Campo's boys. No amount of threatening with perjury by D.A. Whitlock (Walter Huston) can get them to tell the truth -- except for cantankerous old Grandpa (Charles 'Chic' Sale), civil war veteran, who berates his family for failing to do their civic duty, whatever the cost. Though having his doubts as to the credibility of his star witness, Whitlock is nevertheless taken aback when he learns Grandpa has disappeared just before he is to testify. (Doug Sederberg, IMDb)

 Use this link to view the original theatrical trailer for Star Witness on TCM.com.

1 nomination