Call It Murder

Ethel Saxon (Helen Flint) is on trial for the murder of her husband. She admits to shooting him, but says it was an accidental "crime of passion." However, jury foreman Edward Weldon (O.P. Heggie) believes that the letter of the law must be followed and influences the jury to convict Ethel and issue a death sentence. On the night of Ethel's execution, reporter Bob Nolan (Henry Hull) bribes his way into Edward's home to witness his reaction. Edward's daughter, Stella (Sidney Fox), met a charming man named Gar Boni (Humphrey Bogart) at the trial and began a relationship. Now Boni comes to Stella to say he is leaving town. Stella learns that Boni is a gangster, which makes her more desperate to go with him. Just before the execution, Stella leaves the house to ask Boni to go with him, but he admits that he is leaving because he is not interested in continuing their relationship. At the moment that Ethel's execution is broadcast over the radio, a shot rings out. Nolan admits his ruse and photographs Edward and his family. Edward addresses a crowd of reporters outside his house that while he was sympathetic to Ethel, he believes that murder must be punished and he did right in convicting Ethel. Stella returns to the house and announces she shot Boni with his gun. While Edward's family rushes to come up with a story to cover Stella's actions and Nolan offers his help, Edward must decide if his principles or his daughter is more important.