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- Paid 1930 Colorized
Download Paid (1930) Colorized HD | Joan Crawford | Pre-Code Drama Revenge Thriller Classic
Synopsis
Dive into the gripping world of Paid, a 1930 American pre-code drama thriller now beautifully colorized to bring new life to this classic tale of revenge and survival. Directed by Sam Wood and starring the iconic Joan Crawford alongside Robert Armstrong, this film offers a compelling story about a woman wrongfully imprisoned who fights back using cunning and legal savvy. This HD download is a must-have for fans of vintage cinema and pre-code Hollywood’s daring storytelling.
Paid follows Mary Turner (Joan Crawford), a shopgirl sentenced to three years in prison for a crime she did not commit. Bitter and determined, Mary vows to get even with those who wronged her—her former employer Edward Gilder (Purnell Pratt) and the corrupt legal system that failed her.
In prison, Mary befriends Agnes Lynch (Marie Prevost) and later joins forces with Joe Garson (Robert Armstrong), a small-time crook. Together, they devise a clever scam known as the “Heart Balm Racket,” targeting wealthy, lonely men by coaxing them into writing love letters and then suing them for breach of promise, all legally sound but morally questionable.
Mary’s ultimate plan for revenge involves seducing and marrying Bob Gilder (Kent Douglass), the naive son of her former boss, without his father’s knowledge. As Joe’s criminal schemes begin to unravel in a risky art heist, Mary’s personal vendetta and growing feelings for Bob complicate the stakes. The film’s mix of courtroom drama, prison life, and con artistry creates a tense, fast-paced narrative that explores themes of justice, corruption, and resilience.
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Joan Crawford as Mary Turner
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Robert Armstrong as Joe Garson
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Marie Prevost as Agnes Lynch
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Kent Douglass as Bob Gilder
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John Miljan as Inspector Burke
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Purnell Pratt as Edward Gilder
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Hale Hamilton as District Attorney Demarest
Paid is a pre-code drama thriller with strong elements of crime and legal intrigue. Its gritty portrayal of prison life and the underworld, combined with a sharp revenge plot, places it as a forerunner to later noir films. The film’s candid exploration of moral ambiguity and social injustice is emblematic of the pre-code era’s bold storytelling.
Released during the pre-code era, Paid benefits from a frankness in addressing adult themes such as wrongful imprisonment, corruption, and sexual politics. Joan Crawford’s performance as Mary Turner marked one of her earliest major dramatic roles in talking pictures, showcasing her ability to portray complex, tough yet vulnerable characters.
The film also reflects the social anxieties of the early 1930s, touching on economic hardship, the flaws of the justice system, and the desperation that can lead to crime. The “Heart Balm Racket” scam at the center of the plot was a real legal tactic of the time, adding a layer of authenticity and social critique.
This colorized edition of Paid has been carefully restored using advanced digital techniques that respect the film’s original mood and atmosphere. The colorization highlights the stark contrasts of prison scenes, the glamour of high society, and the shadowy world of cons and crime. The vivid colors breathe new life into Joan Crawford’s captivating performance and the film’s dramatic visuals, making it accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences.
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: Sam Wood
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: Lucien Hubbard, Charles MacArthur (adaptation and dialogue)
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: the play Within the Law by Bayard Veiller
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: Charles Rosher
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: Hugh Wynn
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: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
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: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
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: 86 minutes
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: MP4
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: HD (1080p)
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: Compatible with smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs
Paid was well-received upon release, praised for its absorbing story and Joan Crawford’s powerful performance. Critics noted the film’s strong writing and social relevance, with Photoplay calling the story “absorbing” and Crawford “simply grand.” The New York Times also lauded Crawford and Prevost’s performances.
Financially, the film was a success, earning over $1.2 million worldwide against a budget of $385,000, proving its appeal during the challenging Depression era. Paid stands as a significant early talkie and a showcase of Crawford’s dramatic range, influencing later crime dramas and revenge thrillers.
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: What is the plot of Paid (1930)?
A: It tells the story of Mary Turner, a woman wrongfully imprisoned who seeks revenge on those who framed her through legal scams and personal manipulation. -
: Is Paid a pre-code film?
A: Yes, it was made before the strict enforcement of the Production Code, allowing it to explore mature themes more openly. -
: Who stars in Paid?
A: Joan Crawford leads the cast, supported by Robert Armstrong and Marie Prevost. -
: Is this version colorized?
A: Yes, this HD download features a professionally colorized restoration of the original black-and-white film. -
: What is the “Heart Balm Racket”?
A: It’s a legal scam where victims sue for breach of promise after being seduced into writing love letters, used in the film as a tool for revenge.
Experience the gripping drama and Joan Crawford’s unforgettable performance in Paid today!
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