The Woman Accused (1933)

Jeffrey and Glenda are a couple about to begin a three-day cruise to nowhere, planning to marry on board with the captain officiating. While Glenda is preparing for the trip, she receives a threatening phone call from her former lover, Leo, who is obsessed with her. Glenda confronts Leo, ending their relationship. Enraged, Leo, a prominent attorney, hires a hitman to kill Jeffrey. Glenda intervenes, incapacitating Leo before the hitman is named, resulting in Leo's death. She then proceeds with the cruise, concealing the events from Jeffrey. Leo’s partner, Stephen Bessemer, becomes suspicious and follows them to the ship, where he orchestrates a mock trial, skillfully prompting Glenda into a confession. Upon arrival ashore, Glenda is arrested, and Jeffrey, also an attorney, defends her. A skeptical district attorney and Jeffrey's unconventional courtroom tactics – including horsewhipping the witness (the hitman) – lead to Glenda's complete exoneration.