| Spur of the Moment | |
| Director: | A. R. Harwood |
| Producer: | A. R. Harwood |
| Story: | Betty Davies |
| Starring: | James Alexander |
| Cinematography: | Leslie McCallum Ed Eintle |
| Studio: | A. R. Harwood Talkie Productions |
| Runtime: | 50 minutes |
| Country: | Australia |
Spur of the Moment is a 1931 Australian film directed by A. R. Harwood. It was one of the first Australian talking movies.[1]
A wealthy socialite, Claire Rutherford (Beatrice Touzeau), visits her former lover, Tony Iredale (James Alexander), one night. The next day Tony is arrested for the murder of a bookmaker the night before. In order to protect Claire's reputation, Tony remains silent. However a Scotland Yard detective in Melbourne on holiday (William Green) manages to trap the killer.[2]
Harwood had attempted to make Australia's first talking movie, Out of the Shadows in 1931 but been unable to complete it. However he managed to secure backing from a Melbourne businessman to fund two low-budget films, this and Isle of Intrigue (1931) made in an old factory at 61 Stanley St West Melbourne which had been converted into a sound studio.[3] [4]
The story was written by Melbourne playwright Betty Roland using the name "Betty Davies".[5] [6] Filming began in June 1931 after a rehearsal period.[7]
A contemporary review said the script "leaves several matters unexplained, and the eventual confession of the murderer is scarcely convincing... [it] depends almost entirely upon dialogue, and scarcely at all upon action."[2]
The cast included Helene Best, daughter of Australian politician, Sir Robert Best.[8]