Regie:
Mervyn LeRoyKamera:
Sol PolitoMusik:
Bernhard KaunBesetzung:
Paul Muni, Glenda Farrell, Helen Vinson, Noel Francis, Preston Foster, Allen Jenkins, Berton Churchill, Edward Ellis, Hale Hamilton, Sally Blane (mehr)Inhalte(1)
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. (Verleiher-Text)
(mehr)Kritiken (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 had a weakness for criminals, obviously, and he knew how to choose actors who fit them perfectly. Paul Muni has a perfect face for a criminal, even for one who has a human side like in this case. The story has an interesting plot line of how the character develops and gradually goes through the story. It's worth watching the film just for that. The fact that it's a bit outdated for today's standards is just because of its age.
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