Confession (1937 film)

Confession is a 1937 American drama film directed by Joe May, starring Kay Francis, Basil Rathbone, and Ian Hunter. It is a remake of the 1935 German film Mazurka (also known as Confession).

The film tells the story of Vera Kowalska (played by Kay Francis), a successful stage actress in Vienna, who shoots and kills concert pianist Michael Michailow (Basil Rathbone) after he attempts to blackmail her regarding a long-held secret. The narrative unfolds primarily in flashbacks as Vera confesses her story to her former fiancé, attorney Armand Orban (Ian Hunter), who is now tasked with defending her in court.

The flashbacks reveal Vera's troubled past and her affair with Michailow years prior, which resulted in the birth of her daughter. Michailow had abandoned Vera and their child, leaving her to struggle. He resurfaces years later, threatening to expose Vera's secret to her daughter, who is now a young woman, unless Vera pays him a substantial sum. Desperate to protect her daughter's reputation and happiness, Vera confronts Michailow, leading to the fatal shooting.

The film explores themes of motherhood, sacrifice, guilt, and redemption. Confession was a moderate success upon its release, showcasing Kay Francis in a dramatic role. While not considered a critical masterpiece, it is noted for its performances, particularly Francis' portrayal of a woman driven to desperate measures by love and the need for secrecy. The film relies heavily on melodramatic elements and a flashback structure to build suspense and reveal the complexities of Vera's situation.