Guilty Hands

A seasoned lawyer whose career spans both prosecution and defense. He prides himself on moral flexibility, arguing that murder can be justified if executed cleverly. He engineers an alibi by staging movements—like a shadowy pacing effect—to disguise his presence during the crime and then becomes entangled in his own deception, ultimately fatally wounded.

Barbara is a young woman caught between affection and duty. She loves Rich but initially accepts his plan to marry, then changes her mind, adding urgency to the plot. Her decisions shape the motive and her later choice to remain silent keeps the fortune at stake.

A wealthy client with a penchant for control and romance, Rich intends to marry Barbara and rewrite his will to favor new loves. His predatory behavior is exposed when he tries to force himself on Barbara, revealing a dangerous, impulsive side that triggers the fatal confrontation.

Marjorie is Rich's longtime girlfriend who resents Barbara's entry into the relationship. She suspects foul play and pieces together clues, challenging Grant's alibi and forcing a confrontation. In the end, her silence tests the moral boundaries of justice and loyalty.

A young suitor of Barbara's age who appears as part of the social circle around Rich and Barbara. He serves as a quiet counterpoint to the adult schemes, representing the ordinary interest in Barbara amid the tense power plays.

Aunt Maggie provides a domestic, observational presence in the estate's social circle. She comments on family dynamics and the unfolding drama, acting as a foil to the more calculating adults.

Grant's old friend who leads the investigation. He accepts the initial conclusion of suicide, testing the detectives' willingness to accept compelling but circumstantial reasoning over a stubborn truth.

A party guest whose presence underscores the social setting of the gathering on the estate. His role is minor but helps establish the social fabric that surrounds the central mystery.

A reverend present at the social circuit around the estate, providing a moral counterpoint to the intrigue. He is part of the backdrop to the high-society setting in which the crime unfolds.