A Hole in the Wall (1929) Director: Robert Florey Producer: Paramount Pictures Starring: Claudette Colbert, Edward G. Robinson, David Newell, Donald Meek, George E. Stone Release Date: October 5, 1929 Runtime: 70 minutes (approx.) Format: Black & White | Early Sound (Talkie) | Drama / Crime Country: United States Language: English Genre: Crime | Drama | Mystery --- Summary: A Hole in the Wall (1929) is an early talking picture directed by Robert Florey, adapted from the French play Un Trou dans le Mur by Yves Mirande. The story centers on Jeanne (Claudette Colbert), a young woman posing as a spiritualist medium in order to con wealthy socialites. But things take a darker turn when she crosses paths with a ruthless criminal mastermind, Jean Paurel (Edward G. Robinson, in one of his earliest major roles), who plans to exploit her act for his own gain. As deceit, blackmail, and murder intertwine, Jeanne must decide whether to continue down a path of corruption or risk everything for a chance at redemption. --- Background: This film marked one of the earliest talking performances for both Claudette Colbert and Edward G. Robinson, years before Robinson achieved fame with Little Caesar (1931). Director Robert Florey, known for his experimental style and European sensibilities, gave the picture a moody, stage-like atmosphere that helped bridge the gap between silent-era theatricality and the new realism of sound cinema. --- Trivia: Based on a successful 1920s French stage play. One of Claudette Colbert’s first sound films after her transition from Broadway. Edward G. Robinson’s performance foreshadowed the gangster persona that would define his later career. Robert Florey would later co-direct Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932) and contribute to early horror cinema. --- Hashtags: #AHoleInTheWall1929 #RobertFlorey #ClaudetteColbert #EdwardGRobinson #ParamountPictures #PreCodeHollywood #LostFilm #EarlyTalkie #CrimeDrama #OldHollywood #FilmHistory #ClassicCinema #1920sFilm #MysteryDrama