Duffy of San Quentin

Although it does drag in spots Duffy Of San Quentin is a fine account of the most famous person in his position during his time and possibly for all time. I'm actually in awe of the fact that he did not use any stool pigeons which law enforcement survives in.

This is not actually the story of the story of Clinton P. Duffy, it is in fact the account of one particular inmate whose time at San Quentin is told through Duffy's eyes. Louis Hayward is that inmate and as we learn is in the joint because of perjured testimony and defense witnesses who disappeared.

Hayward is a real hard case and who could blame him. Duffy is played by Paul Kelly and Kelly himself did a stretch for manslaughter so he had some true insights into convict mentality. Maureen O'Sullivan played the supportive Mrs. Duffy.

Duffy was a real innovator and in fact brought in a civilian nurse played by Joanne Dru. I'm not sure how that worked out sending Dru in with a few thousand of the hardest cases around.

The end has the prosecutor who sent Hayward up played with his usual relish by George MacReady. I won't say more except that one was a bit much to swallow.

I wish Paul Kelly had done a factual account of Clinton P. Duffy's life. That would have been a great film. Duffy Of San Quentin which followed certain prison picture parameters was good, but nothing outstanding.