Thursday, March 11, 2010

365 Movies: I Am A Fugitive from A Chain Gang Review


I Am A Fugitive From a Chain Gang stars Paul Muni, Glenda Farrell, and Helen Vinson in this 1932 film. The film is about James Allen(Muni) who returns from fighting during World War 1, when his life is turned upside down. James is looking for a new beginning and tries to get himself a new job, without much luck. In dire need of food, James meets another man, who tells him about a diner, that will give them free food. Not realizing what is to happen, James follows along with the man, only to have his life turn into hell. James' simple life is no longer and he is thrown into a life of misery- a chain gang. James witnesses torture being done to other prisoners and it completely alters him as a human being. This is a very disturbing film to watch but at the same time, it's worth it. It's traumatizing to watch, what happened in these chain gangs. This was my first Paul Muni and I was not at all disappointed. He showed the strength and terror, this character would have been. I'm quite looking forward to seeing more of his movies in the near future. I would definitely recommend this, to any classic film because this film shows you just what great films, came out of Warner Bros and the talent of that time.





Review for Tomorrow: The Killers

2 comments:

Artman2112 said...

Paul Muni has been a fave of mine for many years! he's always interesting to see in a film and its uncanny how he can change his voice, his walk, his mannerisms, etc, etc to suit a character. He's sort of the Deniro of his era imo. i agree, Chain Gang is disturbing but so compelling and so brilliantly realized in every respect. a genuine masterpiece.

Artman2112 said...

i should add this short list of great Paul Muni films:
Scarface, Black Fury, Bordertown, Story of Louis Pasteur and The Life of Emile Zola. all very worthwhile for him and as excellent films overall too.