A pre-code era picture, "I am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang" is a kind of film one could easily pass. For one, it is from the early 30s and two: many of us haven't really heard about Paul Muni or seen him on screen, have we! I saw Muni first in Scarface (1932) and then in this. And am I glad I saw this film, 'cause it was such sheer pleasure to see Muni perform in this gripping film about a man named James Allen (Muni) wrongly accused of committing a robbery.
Directed by Mervyn LeRoy, this film is based on a true story, more specifically, Robert Elliott Burns's autobiography, 'I Am a Fugitive from a Georgia Chain Gang'. It tells a man's long struggle in prison after he is sentenced to ten years on a brutal Southern chain gang.
I was surprised to see that in spite of being from the 30s, this film presents a very disturbing picture of the 'chain gang' prison life and the horrible way the prisoners are treated. And all the while your heart goes out to James Allen who suffers in silence but knows that he has to escape or die trying.
The story moves on in an unpredictable fashion and keeps the viewer hooked. There are plenty of edge-of-the-seat moments and superbly executed scenes. Mentioning any here would take away all the fun, so I'll leave that to the viewer.
Paul Muni delivers a breathtaking performance as James Allen. After watching this film I was convinced that he was one of the greatest actors to grace our planet. Sure, we all talk about Pacino, De Niro, Brando, etc. all great actors as we know them, but how many of us have explored the era that was..much before these legendary actors came into picture? Watch Paul Muni in this and you will know what I mean. What sincerity, what charisma! He is nothing short of brilliant! This dark and haunting film deserves to be watched and is one that shouldn't be missed by any connoisseur of quality cinema.
Directed by Mervyn LeRoy, this film is based on a true story, more specifically, Robert Elliott Burns's autobiography, 'I Am a Fugitive from a Georgia Chain Gang'. It tells a man's long struggle in prison after he is sentenced to ten years on a brutal Southern chain gang.
I was surprised to see that in spite of being from the 30s, this film presents a very disturbing picture of the 'chain gang' prison life and the horrible way the prisoners are treated. And all the while your heart goes out to James Allen who suffers in silence but knows that he has to escape or die trying.
The story moves on in an unpredictable fashion and keeps the viewer hooked. There are plenty of edge-of-the-seat moments and superbly executed scenes. Mentioning any here would take away all the fun, so I'll leave that to the viewer.
Paul Muni delivers a breathtaking performance as James Allen. After watching this film I was convinced that he was one of the greatest actors to grace our planet. Sure, we all talk about Pacino, De Niro, Brando, etc. all great actors as we know them, but how many of us have explored the era that was..much before these legendary actors came into picture? Watch Paul Muni in this and you will know what I mean. What sincerity, what charisma! He is nothing short of brilliant! This dark and haunting film deserves to be watched and is one that shouldn't be missed by any connoisseur of quality cinema.
