For me, this movie falls into the category of 'must see. After all, it stars Humphrey Bogart AND he plays a typically tough and cool gangster. For old movie buffs like me who adore Warner Brothers gangster films, these sort of films are terrific entertainment--even if they area tad predictable. The tough-guy dialog, great acting and break-neck pace make these highly satisfying.
The film begins with Bogart pulling a penny ante heist---assisted by a teen (Billy Halop) who idolizes him and is sort of like an apprentice gangster. A bit later, when they are pulling another job, Bogart kills a man using a gun that belongs to Halop's future brother-in-law (Harvey Stephens)! Halop wants to tell, as the boyfriend is a nice guy but basically Halop's a gutless jerk and keeps his mouth shut--thanks to threats from his 'friend' Bogart. On the other hand, Henry Travers plays an older prisoner who tries to guide Halop in the right direction. Will Halop do the right thing or remain a sniveling little weasel forever? Well, what do you think?! But the journey to the eventual conclusion is most enjoyable and it's a very good prison film.
While there is nothing particularly different or noteworthy, this is yet another good Bogart gangster film. Interestingly, Halop and other young Warner stars also went on to make similar films with Cagney and John Garfield as well--so apparently the public loved this style of movie.
Oh, and in an uncredited bit role, frequent Jack Benny co-star Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson plays one of the inmates. I've seen him in several movies without Benny, but never one like this one!
The film begins with Bogart pulling a penny ante heist---assisted by a teen (Billy Halop) who idolizes him and is sort of like an apprentice gangster. A bit later, when they are pulling another job, Bogart kills a man using a gun that belongs to Halop's future brother-in-law (Harvey Stephens)! Halop wants to tell, as the boyfriend is a nice guy but basically Halop's a gutless jerk and keeps his mouth shut--thanks to threats from his 'friend' Bogart. On the other hand, Henry Travers plays an older prisoner who tries to guide Halop in the right direction. Will Halop do the right thing or remain a sniveling little weasel forever? Well, what do you think?! But the journey to the eventual conclusion is most enjoyable and it's a very good prison film.
While there is nothing particularly different or noteworthy, this is yet another good Bogart gangster film. Interestingly, Halop and other young Warner stars also went on to make similar films with Cagney and John Garfield as well--so apparently the public loved this style of movie.
Oh, and in an uncredited bit role, frequent Jack Benny co-star Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson plays one of the inmates. I've seen him in several movies without Benny, but never one like this one!