Warner Bros. did these prison dramas better -- the prison here seems a bit too clean and quiet, the convicts too polite and well-pressed to be believable. Nothing really seems at stake here, despite the contrivances of plot. The film lacks noise, grit, tension, though it is fast-moving, competently directed and decently acted.
Wallace Beery does his usual gruff routine, though he doesn't dominate the proceedings as one might expect him to. Neither does Robert Montgomery, which is usual with this curiously unlikeable actor. He was good-looking enough and always gave a good and thoughtful performance. And yet he never makes a strong impression, coming across like a lightweight despite his intelligence and skill.
The revelation to me was Chester Morris, a popular actor of the '30s and '40s who is now virtually forgotten. With his strong jaw and ax blade profile, he looks just like the Dick Tracy of the comic strips. Here he gives a relaxed performance and shows great charm, warmth and humor, all with a certain intriguing restraint. In fact he is extremely handsome, sexy and appealing and in a very distinctive way -- something about his brow and nose suggest Joaquin Phoenix, kind but feral too. Check him out.
Wallace Beery does his usual gruff routine, though he doesn't dominate the proceedings as one might expect him to. Neither does Robert Montgomery, which is usual with this curiously unlikeable actor. He was good-looking enough and always gave a good and thoughtful performance. And yet he never makes a strong impression, coming across like a lightweight despite his intelligence and skill.
The revelation to me was Chester Morris, a popular actor of the '30s and '40s who is now virtually forgotten. With his strong jaw and ax blade profile, he looks just like the Dick Tracy of the comic strips. Here he gives a relaxed performance and shows great charm, warmth and humor, all with a certain intriguing restraint. In fact he is extremely handsome, sexy and appealing and in a very distinctive way -- something about his brow and nose suggest Joaquin Phoenix, kind but feral too. Check him out.