This is one of the first 1930s prison films that set the stage for all later films of that genre. You always had the softie (Robert Montgomery in this case) entering prison, and being befriended by the lifer (Chester Morris). Then there is always the antagonist of the lifer (in this case Wallace Beery) - perfectly cast, by the way. This triangle plays out through the inevitable prison riot that we all know is gong to take place. What we do not know, however, is how the protagonist, Morris, will overcome the bad cards dealt to him by Montgomery, and how he will handle the events of the prison riot. Worth viewing, despite the dated aspects of the film.
Review of The Big House
