This film starts with a wonderfully exciting premise (that, according to IMDb was first used in 1928). A convicted killer is about to be electrocuted and the witnesses to this are shown talking and learning about how the procedure will occur. The warden explains to them that there is a two second period when a person is electrocuted when he's alive--then, oblivion. You then hear the electric chair in action as the man is killed. Then, the scene dissolves and you get to see those two seconds--two seconds where a man's entire life is dramatized.
The killer was apparently Edward G. Robinson. This isn't too surprising since he was typecast at the time in gangster films--only branching into other areas a bit later in his career. The audience could easily imagine Robinson getting the chair in light of this! However, initially, Robinson is a hard-working construction worker--not some hood. And, in this guise, he seems like a really nice guy--soft-spoken and decent. So, unlike the typical Robinson film, here there is some depth to the character--something you don't typically see and which gives the film added appeal.
A bit later, Robinson meets a lady at a dance hall. He's smitten with her and at first you think she's a nice lady. However, over time, she leads him into drinking and screwing up his life...and he's so stuck on her that he continues on this disastrous course. She is, apparently, after him for his money, as you soon see her take a very drunk Robinson for a quickie marriage. He has no idea what's happening and she slips the justice of the peace a few extra dollars to ignore that Robinson's so drunk he couldn't even understand what was happening.
Soon, Robinson is broke--his wife 'needed' lots of new clothes and the like. His buddy (Preston Foster) is disgusted with Robinson for keeping this 'wife' and allowing himself to be used. Eventually, the two argue when Foster calls her a tramp--something she actually is...in spades! In the process of scuffling on the job, however, Foster falls off the building. While Robinson isn't accused of murder or manslaughter, his nerves are shot and he can't go back to work.
His 'loving wife' is not the least bit supportive and makes his recuperation time miserable--she wants money...period. And, while the film doesn't explicitly say it, it sure appears as if his blushing bride goes to work as a prostitute. At this point, the marriage is in shambles and his life is at its lowest. But, it DOES get worse as you learn that the wife is trying to recruit Foster's old girlfriend for the business as well!! Out of the blue, a hunch on a horse race pays off. Now Robinson is able to clear up all his debts and he's got a plan--though he also seems practically on the verge of madness. And the plan? Well, it's to kill the woman who destroyed his life!!
Overall, a truly original story--and one that is very original and compelling. One of Robinson's better films of the era.
The killer was apparently Edward G. Robinson. This isn't too surprising since he was typecast at the time in gangster films--only branching into other areas a bit later in his career. The audience could easily imagine Robinson getting the chair in light of this! However, initially, Robinson is a hard-working construction worker--not some hood. And, in this guise, he seems like a really nice guy--soft-spoken and decent. So, unlike the typical Robinson film, here there is some depth to the character--something you don't typically see and which gives the film added appeal.
A bit later, Robinson meets a lady at a dance hall. He's smitten with her and at first you think she's a nice lady. However, over time, she leads him into drinking and screwing up his life...and he's so stuck on her that he continues on this disastrous course. She is, apparently, after him for his money, as you soon see her take a very drunk Robinson for a quickie marriage. He has no idea what's happening and she slips the justice of the peace a few extra dollars to ignore that Robinson's so drunk he couldn't even understand what was happening.
Soon, Robinson is broke--his wife 'needed' lots of new clothes and the like. His buddy (Preston Foster) is disgusted with Robinson for keeping this 'wife' and allowing himself to be used. Eventually, the two argue when Foster calls her a tramp--something she actually is...in spades! In the process of scuffling on the job, however, Foster falls off the building. While Robinson isn't accused of murder or manslaughter, his nerves are shot and he can't go back to work.
His 'loving wife' is not the least bit supportive and makes his recuperation time miserable--she wants money...period. And, while the film doesn't explicitly say it, it sure appears as if his blushing bride goes to work as a prostitute. At this point, the marriage is in shambles and his life is at its lowest. But, it DOES get worse as you learn that the wife is trying to recruit Foster's old girlfriend for the business as well!! Out of the blue, a hunch on a horse race pays off. Now Robinson is able to clear up all his debts and he's got a plan--though he also seems practically on the verge of madness. And the plan? Well, it's to kill the woman who destroyed his life!!
Overall, a truly original story--and one that is very original and compelling. One of Robinson's better films of the era.