Watch Unholy Love

Unholy Love is a pre-code drama film that was released in 1932. The film was directed by Albert Ray and produced by M.H. Hoffman Jr. The film stars H.B. Warner, Lila Lee, and Beryl Mercer in the lead roles. The plot of the film revolves around a man named John Borden, played by H.B. Warner, who is an elderly widower living in a small town. John has a son named Jack, who he hopes to see married to a young woman named Mary, played by Lila Lee. However, things take a dramatic turn when Mary falls in love with a wealthy man named Ronnie, played by Warren Hymer. Ronnie is not interested in Mary's love and instead uses her for his own pleasure.

As the film progresses, John becomes increasingly frustrated with Jack's lack of interest in Mary and his own inability to find love. He develops an unholy infatuation with Mary and begins to make advances towards her. Mary is unaware of John's intentions until one night when he forces himself on her. Mary becomes pregnant as a result of the assault.

The film then takes a turn when Mary's child dies in childbirth, and she blames John for her fate. She confronts him, and in a fit of rage, she stabs him. The film ends with Mary standing trial for her crime.

Unholy Love is a disturbing film that explores some taboo themes such as sexual assault and incest. The film's director, Albert Ray, was known for his unconventional approach to filmmaking, and this film is a clear example of this. He uses close-ups and tight shots to convey intimacy and tension between the characters. The film's score is also noteworthy, and it adds to the film's suspenseful and eerie atmosphere.

The film features some excellent performances from its main cast, particularly H.B. Warner, who delivers a chilling portrayal of a man consumed by his obsession with Mary. Lila Lee is also excellent in her role as Mary, and she manages to convey both vulnerability and strength in her performance. Beryl Mercer, who plays John's housekeeper, adds some much-needed comic relief to the film.

Despite its controversial themes, the film was well-received by audiences and critics alike. It was praised for its boldness and originality, and it became a cult classic in the years that followed its release. Today, Unholy Love is considered a landmark in early Hollywood cinema, and it is still watched and discussed by film enthusiasts worldwide.

In conclusion, Unholy Love is a provocative and unsettling film that tackles some taboo themes with honesty and intensity. It features strong performances, a haunting score, and a unique visual style that adds to its appeal. Although it may be disturbing and offensive to some viewers, it is a film that deserves to be remembered for its daring and unflinching approach to storytelling.

Unholy Love is a 1932 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.