Reviews
I Was a Criminal (1945)
Moving and Funny
This film used to run on TV in the very early days and is based on a true event. There is a German color version and and earlier version by this same director. This is a small film about a simple man against the state. It is both funny and deeply touching and Basserman gives perhaps his greatest performance. I know it as "Passport to Heaven," but it was released under several titles. It is a shame that this film cannot be found in any format. I remember this:
"I had a dream and a voice said, 'Soon you will take your last gulping breath and stand before God the father. And God will ask you what have you made with your life, and you will have to answer..Doormats...In prison...for all the world to step upon...and God will say, That is not what I gave you life for...You owe me a life....where is it...what have you done with it...Get out..you have come to the wrong department'"
I still remember after all these years...What a shame that you can't see it for yourselves........