Walter Huston is in some great in motion pictures from the early 30s. This however is from the very, very early 30s and isn't one of them. Although he's the only decent actor in this, compared with his outstanding performances just a year later, such as in 'American Madness' or 'Rain,' it's like seeing him with ten years less acting experience. He is still the embodiment of integrity but he doesn't come across as remotely authentic. Howard Hawks is directing this but he's not the Howard Hawks the world will soon get to know.
In 1930 a small number of directors made a few great innovative motion pictures, this isn't one of them. Although Hawks tells the story completely enough, he doesn't really invest any warmth or heart into it making it difficult to develop any empathy. It might be because the cast is virtuality all male, it might be because Howard Hawks and certainly Harry Cohn were not known for embracing their feminine side but there's a very macho, testosterone-rich feel to this.
When Phillips Holmes' character is (slightly unfairly) thrown into the big house, the contrast between that brutal, cruel world and his own gentle, sweet natured personally is meant to engender sympathy for him. Unfortunately because he's such a limp, spineless amoeba you just end up hoping that he'll get ten years in solitary so we never have to see his miserable pathetic face again. As for the rest, Huston is Mr On-The-Level integrity, Karloff is menacing, the chief guard is vindictive, the daughter is innocent..... it's just a parade of the stereotypes.
In 1930 a small number of directors made a few great innovative motion pictures, this isn't one of them. Although Hawks tells the story completely enough, he doesn't really invest any warmth or heart into it making it difficult to develop any empathy. It might be because the cast is virtuality all male, it might be because Howard Hawks and certainly Harry Cohn were not known for embracing their feminine side but there's a very macho, testosterone-rich feel to this.
When Phillips Holmes' character is (slightly unfairly) thrown into the big house, the contrast between that brutal, cruel world and his own gentle, sweet natured personally is meant to engender sympathy for him. Unfortunately because he's such a limp, spineless amoeba you just end up hoping that he'll get ten years in solitary so we never have to see his miserable pathetic face again. As for the rest, Huston is Mr On-The-Level integrity, Karloff is menacing, the chief guard is vindictive, the daughter is innocent..... it's just a parade of the stereotypes.