Directed by:
Mervyn LeRoyCinematography:
Sol PolitoComposer:
Bernhard KaunCast:
Paul Muni, Glenda Farrell, Helen Vinson, Noel Francis, Preston Foster, Allen Jenkins, Berton Churchill, Edward Ellis, Hale Hamilton, Sally Blane, Louise Carter (more)VOD (2)
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Based on a true story, a Depression-era drama following the return of WWI veteran James Allen into a brutal Southern prison, after he's falsely accused of theft. Warner Brothers won box office success and a reputation for hard-hitting social commentary: Allen's prison life was so harrowingly realistic that massive chain gang reforms were instituted as a result and the character upon whom Allen was based was eventually pardoned. (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (2)
Outstandingly distinctive filmmaking, plot-driven, thought-provoking, formally very naturalistic and even (and what I appreciate the most in classic Hollywood films) very strong emotionally. The dynamic direction is flawless, and in addition to the professionally and rhythmically shot escape sequences, it also impresses with cleverly thought-out plot shortcuts (shots on a map showing the main character's journey, or on an employee card showing her career rise and increasing income), Paul Muni is a tremendous character and wins everyone's sympathy, and the screenplay works both as a gripping crime drama about the will to defy adversity, but also as a sharp social and political satire. For me, quite possibly the best sound film of the 1930s, or at least of the ones I've seen so far. 100%
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Mervyn LeRoy evidently had a weakness for crime stories and knew how to choose actors who were perfectly suited for them. Paul Muni has the perfect face for a criminal, even one who has a human side, as in this case. The story has an interesting arc of character development and how the character gradually navigates through the plot. The film is worth watching just for that alone. That it feels a bit contrived by today's standards is simply the result of its age.
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