The Family Secret is a 1951 American film noir crime film directed by Henry Levin and starring John Derek and Lee J. Cobb.
Contents
Plot
Law student David Clark kills best friend Art Bradley in self-defense after an argument. He flees but later confesses to his father Howard, who is a lawyer. The next morning, Howard expects his son provide an explanation to Redman, the district attorney, but instead David merely asks whether he can be of any help after another man, Joe Elsner, is arrested. Elsner is a bookie to whom the Art had owed a debt.
David has always been irresponsible, which is why secretary Lee Pearson continues to resist David's romantic attentions, although she is attracted to him. His parents blame themselves for his immaturity.
Elsner's wife Marie asks Howard to represent her husband in court. David sits by his father's and the defendant's side at the trial. Howard exposes key eyewitness Henry Archer Sims as a convicted perjurer. It seems that Elsner might be found innocent, but the stress causes him to suffer a fatal heart attack. David finally realizes that he must confess and promises Lee that he will lead a better life.
Cast
John Derek as David Clark
Lee J. Cobb as Howard Clark
Jody Lawrance as Lee Pearson
Erin O'Brien-Moore as Ellen Clark
Santos Ortega as District Attorney Redman
Henry O'Neill as Donald Muir
Carl Benton Reid as Dr. Steve Reynolds
Peggy Converse as Sybil Bradley
Jean Alexander as Vera Stone
Dorothy Tree as Marie Elsner
Whit Bissell as Joe Elsner
Raymond Greenleaf as Henry Archer Sims
Onslow Stevens as Judge Geoffrey N. Williams
Reception
In a contemporary review for the Los Angeles Times, critic John L. Scott wrote: "This soap-opera-type story ... is filled with static situations and much talk. It builds some suspense. ... John Derek portrays a sullen youth whose attitude gains him little sympathy. The role would try many older and more experienced actors. Cobb's characterization is more definite and appealing."