There are some powerful ideas and messages floated in this story about a young man caught up in juvenile reform school - especially for this time period.
This movie is worth seeing for very early performances by Bette Davis and Pat O'Brien before they were stars.
This 1932 pre-code film has a lot of social commentary which remains relevant today. It wouldn't have gotten made in the same way during the height of the code and Red Scare era which would follow over the next two decades.
There are certain uses of imagery which bring to mind the ascent of the Nazis who were just about to come to power in Germany which is striking from a historical perspective. One even wonders if they saw this film or if it is mere coincidence about the parallels shown between the system here and what would happen there. Of course some of these ideas would be picked up on in a different way in Paul Newman's Cool Hand Luke.
A little better direction might have gone a long way. There was some tidying up that was needed. It looks like they did the best they could - from a historical perspective and acting perspective this is an important movie to watch.
This movie is worth seeing for very early performances by Bette Davis and Pat O'Brien before they were stars.
This 1932 pre-code film has a lot of social commentary which remains relevant today. It wouldn't have gotten made in the same way during the height of the code and Red Scare era which would follow over the next two decades.
There are certain uses of imagery which bring to mind the ascent of the Nazis who were just about to come to power in Germany which is striking from a historical perspective. One even wonders if they saw this film or if it is mere coincidence about the parallels shown between the system here and what would happen there. Of course some of these ideas would be picked up on in a different way in Paul Newman's Cool Hand Luke.
A little better direction might have gone a long way. There was some tidying up that was needed. It looks like they did the best they could - from a historical perspective and acting perspective this is an important movie to watch.