The Public Defender
1917, English. Directed by Burton L. King.
A powerful plea for justice. The scales weigh the balance-on one side "Justice for the Rich"-on the other side "Ignominy for the poor." On which side will it balance?
When bank president Leslie Morrison dips into the till, he seeks to place the blame on bank clerk David Moulton by altering the figures in Moulton's books. He lays his plan carefully, but upon leaving the building late one night, Morrison falls into an elevator shaft and is killed. Moulton, the one man known to have been there, is charged with murder and tried by district attorney Robert Murdock. Unable to afford a competent defense, Moulton is convicted and sentenced to die in an electric chair. However, Mary Reed, a stenographer who loves Moulton, appeals as a last resort to the newly elected public defender, Arthur Nelson. Nelson investigates the case and discovers evidence on the very eve of the execution, evidence that will warrant a stay. Rescued from death in the nick of time, Moulton is granted a new trial under the supervision of the public defender and is found innocent.
- Runtime
- 1h 0m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch The Public Defender
The Public Defender isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 3 November 1917.
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Cast & crew
- Burton L. KingDirector
- Frank KeenanRobert Murdock
- Alma HanlonMary Reed
- Robert EdesonArthur Nelson
- John St. PolisDavid Moulton
- Florence ShortRose Moulton
- Louis SternLeslie Morrison
- Tex La GroveWalter Holmes
- Harry KingsleyArthur Stevens
- Helen Conwell'Queenie' La Mar
- James E. SullivanFather O'Malley
- F.A. CroninJames Whalon
- John O'KeefeJohn Hartley
Details
- Released
- 3 November 1917
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Fred Rath, Mayer C. Goldman, Frank W. Harris
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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The Public Defender: quick answers
Is The Public Defender worth watching?
The Public Defender doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Public Defender?
The Public Defender runs 60 minutes (1h 0m).
Does The Public Defender have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Public Defender. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Public Defender parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Public Defender yet.
Which OTT platform is The Public Defender on?
The Public Defender isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 3 November 1917. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Public Defender?
If you liked The Public Defender, try True Believer, No One Would Tell, Winged Creatures.
Who directed The Public Defender?
The Public Defender (1917) was directed by Burton L. King and stars Frank Keenan, Alma Hanlon, Robert Edeson.