If it wasn't for the presence of Edward G. Robinson, this crime drama definitely would have been a little programmer if it wasn't for the lead. On loan to MGM from Warner Brothers, he still basically in a Warner Brothers type film, so he easily could have stayed at his home studio. But the MGM gloss makes it look far more prestigious than it is, even though the plotline is the type of programmer that Warner Brothers had been releasing as either bottom of the bill second features or as solo features in neighborhood theaters for years. Robinson shares the glory with Gene Lockhart whose performance nearly tops his much acclaimed role as Stephen Douglas in "Abe Lincoln in Illinois".
Usually playing blowhard businessmen who somehow manage to get away with immoral business deals or scams, as well as frustrated husbands and fathers dealing with ungrateful children, Lockhart is an unlikely criminal who manages to frame happily married old friend Robinson which sentences EGR to a chain gang. Robinson escapes and seeks revenge, and Lockhart truly expresses fright in an unforgettable way that could be considered punishment enough. Ruth Hussey, as Robinson's wife, is lively and beautiful, but overshadowed by the two men. Still gritty and realistic in showing the hideous conditions of the chain gang, but nothing can beat how WB did it.
Usually playing blowhard businessmen who somehow manage to get away with immoral business deals or scams, as well as frustrated husbands and fathers dealing with ungrateful children, Lockhart is an unlikely criminal who manages to frame happily married old friend Robinson which sentences EGR to a chain gang. Robinson escapes and seeks revenge, and Lockhart truly expresses fright in an unforgettable way that could be considered punishment enough. Ruth Hussey, as Robinson's wife, is lively and beautiful, but overshadowed by the two men. Still gritty and realistic in showing the hideous conditions of the chain gang, but nothing can beat how WB did it.