The Cheat (1931): Cast & Plot
The Cheat is a 1931 drama directed by George Abbott, starring Tallulah Bankhead as Elsa Carlyle, Irving Pichel and Harvey Stephens. It runs 1 hour 7 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 7m (67 min)
- Director
- George Abbott
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Paramount Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Cheat About?
The premise of The Cheat without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Elsa Carlyle is a beautiful but impulsive gambler obsessed with social standing. Though loved by her husband Jeff, who is trying to curb spending while closing lucrative deals, she bets wildly one night, loses a fortune, and compounds her woes with reckless choices. Wealthy, charismatic Hardy Livingstone returns from the Orient and pursues her, offering financial rescue. Torn between loyalty and desire, Elsa faces a crisis that threatens her marriage and reputation, questioning who the true cheat really is.
The Cheat Themes & Keywords
· 14 tags- baccarat
- sake
- roulette
- confession
- pandemonium
- murder trial
- branded
- millionaire
- balloon
- costume party
- stock tip
- gamble
+2 more Show fewer
- long island new york
- yacht club
The Cheat Cast & Characters
Tallulah Bankhead leads the cast as Elsa Carlyle, with Irving Pichel as Hardy Livingstone and Harvey Stephens as Jeffrey Carlyle. Directed by George Abbott; 32 actors are credited in all.
- Director George Abbott
- Tallulah Bankhead as Elsa Carlyle
- Irving Pichel as Hardy Livingstone
- Harvey Stephens as Jeffrey Carlyle
-
Robert Strange as District Attorney
Also Starring in The Cheat
· 28 more- Edward Keane Defense Attorney
- Porter Hall Leslie (uncredited)
- Bess Flowers
- Harold Miller
- Arthur Hohl Defense Attorney (uncredited)
- Jack Gargan
- Victor Kilian
- Ronald R. Rondell
- Ethelreda Leopold
- Benny Rubin
- Millard Mitchell Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
- Barbara Brown
- Beatrice Hagen Dancer (uncredited)
- Patsy Moran
- Margaret Carthew Dancer (uncredited)
- Loretta Andrews
Show all 32 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Willard Dashiell Judge
- Gwen Zetter Dancer (uncredited)
- William Ingersoll Croupier
- Jay Fassett Terrell
- Ann Andrews Mrs. Albright
- Hanaki Yoshiwara Japanese Servant
- Jimmy Granato Orchestra Musician (uncredited)
- Henry Warwick Butler (uncredited)
- Juanita Hagen Dancer (uncredited)
- Suzanne Wunderlich Dancer (uncredited)
- Lulu Yoo Dancer (uncredited)
- Bee Stephens
The Cheat Plot Summary
What happens in The Cheat from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Elsa Tallulah Bankhead Carlyle cuts a striking figure in high society, a woman whose bright wit and magnetic charm mask a compulsive gambling habit and an obsession with appearances. She basks in the glow of a life that seems effortless, yet her personal finances and choices are a constant source of tension for those around her. Her husband, Harvey Stephens as Jeffrey Carlyle, loves her and genuinely wants to keep them comfortable for a lifetime, but he finds himself forever walking a tightrope between indulgence and prudence. He believes small, careful investments could secure their future, even as Elsa remains impulsively drawn to risk and display.
Full summary
The whole story of The Cheat, scene by scene
Seen The Cheat?
Movies Like The Cheat
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Cheat, The Story of a Cheat and The Cheat.
The Cheat FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The Cheat, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Cheat?
The Cheat runs 1 hour 7 minutes (67 minutes).
When was The Cheat released?
The Cheat was released on November 28, 1931.
Who directed The Cheat?
The Cheat was directed by George Abbott.
More films by George Abbott Who is in the cast of The Cheat?
The Cheat stars Tallulah Bankhead as Elsa Carlyle, Irving Pichel as Hardy Livingstone and Harvey Stephens as Jeffrey Carlyle, among 32 credited actors.
Does The Cheat have a post-credit scene?
No. The Cheat has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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