The Hole in the Wall (1929 film)

The Hole in the Wall is a 1929 American pre-Code mystery-drama film directed by Robert Florey, starring Claudette Colbert, Edward G. Robinson, and David Newell. Produced by Paramount’s Astoria Studios in Queens, New York, it is notable as Robinson’s debut gangster role, a precursor to his breakout performance in Little Caesarand one of Colbert’s earliest film appearances.^[2][3]

Jean Oliver (Colbert) is falsely imprisoned after being framed by Mrs. Ramsey. Upon release, she teams with a fraudulent spiritualist gang led by "The Fox" (Robinson), assuming the identity of the medium Madame Mystera. Seeking revenge, she orchestrates the kidnapping of Mrs. Ramsey’s granddaughter and plans to raise her as a criminal. However, complications arise when Jean reunites with her former sweetheart, reporter Gordon Grant (Newell), and The Fox strikes a deal with authorities, revealing the child's location in return for immunity and a confession clearing Jean. The film concludes with Jean's exoneration and reunion with Grant.^[4]

• Claudette Colbert as Jean Oliver
• Edward G. Robinson as The Fox
• David Newell as Gordon Grant
• Nellie Savage as Madame Mystera
• Donald Meek as Goofy
• Alan Brooks as Jim
• Louise Closser Hale as Mrs. Ramsay
• Katherine Emmet as Mrs. Carlake
• Marcia Kagno as Marcia
• Barry Macollum as Dogface
• George MacQuarrie as Inspector
• Helen Crane as Mrs. Lyons

The film is based on Fred Jackson’s 1920 stage play The Hole in the Wall, previously adapted into a 1921 silent by Maxwell Karger.^[5] Screenplay adaptation by Pierre Collings; principal photography took place in late 1928 at Astoria Studios. The narrative blends crime melodrama with eerie, horror-influenced set design influenced by German Expressionism.^[6]

Released April 27, 1929, the film runs approximately 63 minutes.^[6] Critics noted Robinson's early gangster persona and Colbert’s innate screen presence, complemented by Florey’s visually striking direction. Modern reviewers consider it a historic curiosity in both performers’ careers: “Robinson steals the show” and the film’s atmosphere anticipates later horror-crime hybrids.^[7][8]

• Edward G. Robinson’s first gangster role, setting the stage for his future iconic status.^[7]
• One of the earliest sound films featuring both Colbert and Robinson.^[8]
• Noted for its Expressionist set design, echoing The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

The film is preserved in the Library of Congress’s archives and prints are available in some collections, suggesting it survives in its early sound form .

According to critic Troy Howarth, the film "is an interesting amalgam of gangster melodrama and horror, one in which Edward G. Robinson steals the show." Colbert's "character becomes more complex as the picture unfolds, and the actress keeps up just fine." He commented that Florey's bizarre set designs for the medium's den looked as if they were inspired by the German film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

• The Hole in the Wall at the TCM Movie Database
• The Hole in the Wall at IMDb