I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang 1932
8.2 / 10
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang
A World War I veteran’s dreams of becoming a master architect evaporate in the cold light of economic realities. Things get even worse when he’s falsely convicted of a crime and sent to work on a chain gang.
A World War I veteran’s dreams of becoming a master architect evaporate in the cold light of economic realities. Things get even worse when he’s falsely convicted of a crime and sent to work on a chain gang.
Videos & Photos
All 1 Videos & 13 Photos
cast
Full Cast & Crew
... James Allen
... Marie Woods
... Helen
... Linda
... Pete
... Barney Sykes
User reviews
See All 1 Reviews23 Jun 2021 by John Chard
Masterpiece that keeps influencing as much as it enthrals. Being a man who has a very unhealthy penchant for any film that deals with incarceration, it is with great elation that I can proudly proclaim this to be one of the greatest films of the genre. I had to finally give way and import the film on Region 1 to see what I was missing, boy was it joyous to see how this film has influenced some of my favourite film's of all time. This is one tough movie, it pulls no punches and the only surprise is that it was made in 1932, that the film is a grizzled masterpiece is down to the astute direction of Mervyn LeRoy and a quite brilliant performance from Paul Muni in the lead role of James Allen. Based on the real life writings of Robert Elliot Burns, the film is a harsh kick in the guts about the brutal penal system that existed when most of us were mere glints in our Father's eyes. It is part of a Warner Brothers controversial classic's box set that is available on Region 1, and its place on any controversial classic list is worthy. The film had major impact on reviews of the penal system, it caused uproar in Georgia (the film never mentions Georgia, but they knew it was about them), law suits followed and Robert Elliot Burns himself was constantly pursued by the authorities despite the state being privy to the actual facts of his case. I wont be boorish with the details as it is well documented across the net and those who haven't seen the film really need to address that issue. This picture strips it down to a primal story that begs a viewing from anyone interested in the genre - or actually for those interested in brilliant cinema from a golden era - period! 10/10
Release Date:
Nov 09, 1932 (United States)
Run Time:
1hr 32`
MMPA Rating:
NR
Original Language:
English
Production Countries:
United States
Status:
Released
Plot Keywords:
Related Movies To
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang
Masterpiece that keeps influencing as much as it enthrals. Being a man who has a very unhealthy penchant for any film that deals with incarceration, it is with great elation that I can proudly proclaim this to be one of the greatest films of the genre. I had to finally give way and import the film on Region 1 to see what I was missing, boy was it joyous to see how this film has influenced some of my favourite film's of all time. This is one tough movie, it pulls no punches and the only surprise is that it was made in 1932, that the film is a grizzled masterpiece is down to the astute direction of Mervyn LeRoy and a quite brilliant performance from Paul Muni in the lead role of James Allen. Based on the real life writings of Robert Elliot Burns, the film is a harsh kick in the guts about the brutal penal system that existed when most of us were mere glints in our Father's eyes. It is part of a Warner Brothers controversial classic's box set that is available on Region 1, and its place on any controversial classic list is worthy. The film had major impact on reviews of the penal system, it caused uproar in Georgia (the film never mentions Georgia, but they knew it was about them), law suits followed and Robert Elliot Burns himself was constantly pursued by the authorities despite the state being privy to the actual facts of his case. I wont be boorish with the details as it is well documented across the net and those who haven't seen the film really need to address that issue. This picture strips it down to a primal story that begs a viewing from anyone interested in the genre - or actually for those interested in brilliant cinema from a golden era - period! 10/10
Cast & Crew of
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang
Directors & Credit Writers
... Director
AA
Al Alleborn... Assistant Director
Cast
... James Allen
... Marie Woods
... Helen
... Linda
... Pete
... Barney Sykes
... The Judge
... Bomber Wells
... The Warden
... Rev. Allen
... Alice
... Mother
... Strong Prisoner
... Prison Board Chairman
... F.E. Ramsey
... Fuller
WLM
William Le Maire... A Texan
... Train Conductor (uncredited)
... Café Chateau Dancer (uncredited)
... Chicago Lawyer (uncredited)
Produced By
... Producer
... Casting Assistant
Videos & Photos of
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang
Videos ( 1)
Photos ( 13 )
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I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang
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