Bad acting
I know it was acceptable at the time to 'over' act but the acting in this movie was probably the worse I've ever seen...and I am huge fan of the oldies.
"If I don't suit chu, you kin cut mah thoat!"
It was the early 30's style of acting. They basically just performed the stage play on film with more elaborate sets and costumes.
Although I'm sure most would agree Connie Bennett was no Bette Davis in the acting department.
I thought everyone else (with the exception of the younger sister) was quite competent.