We Who Are About to Die

Johnny Thompson (John Beal) quits his job and intends to move with his girlfriend Connie Stewart (Ann Dvorak). He gets kidnapped by a robbery crew looking to steal from his former employer. The gang frames him by using his car and his clothes. The paymaster and a pedestrian boy are killed. The frame-up works and Johnny is convicted for the crime. He is sentenced to be executed. Police officer Steven Mathews (Preston Foster) continues the investigation.

I like the premise more than I thought I would. His conviction is not unreasonable especially in a time before security cameras. It is all about eye witness testimonies and those are always problematic. I'm less impressed with the second half. I don't know these criminal characters that well. It's still fine but it loses steam.