In many ways, MGM's 1930 production of THE BIG HOUSE remains the ultimate movie about men behind bars. It's the very first serious handling of the subject, establishing the general narrative devices prison films have copied and improvised ever since. However, unlike all those others, THE BIG HOUSE is different in that it's an archetypal depiction of everything we've come to associate with the genre. Even after eight decades it still packs quite a wallop, especially in its grim prison riot climax.
Expertly directed by George Hill, THE BIG HOUSE top bills Chester Morris and Wallace Beery in standout roles as hardened cell mates in a badly overcrowded penitentiary run by a tough but compassionate warden, played by Lewis Stone. Robert Montgomery is a newly incarcerated prisoner whose nerves begin to unravel under the pressure. Pretty Leila Hyams plays Montgomery's sister and Morris' sweetheart.
THE BIG HOUSE contains several memorable scenes, one of which takes place in the prison chapel where the convicts are reciting The Lord's Prayer while under the pews they're passing guns and bullets to each other in preparation for their crashout on Thanksgiving Day. They also sing the hymn, "Open the Gates", which has a perversely ironic twist Morris and Beery appreciate, eyeing each other knowingly. The big riot sequence itself is well staged with a gritty authenticity that's quite forceful even today. The film's strengths were recognized by the Academy, winning for best screenplay and best sound recording. The large prison set and grounds were reused by Hal Roach the following year for Laurel and Hardy's first feature length film, PARDON US (1931).
The DVD-R of THE BIG HOUSE from the Warner Achives seems to have been transferred off the same master used for the VHS release. While a bit soft - most likely due to the source print - it's still a very nice image, with excellent contrast and no lines, scratches or white specks. The audio contains some pops and hiss which could've been cleared up by an extensive restoration, but it doesn't detract from enjoying this presentation which is the best I've seen on this great antique.
THE BIG HOUSE is a film that's been copied a lot, and although I've seen several prison movies, I find myself always coming back to it. I especially like its vivid, straightforward style, and the hard bitten edge that's offset by some genuinely tender moments. Its age works to its advantage, making it seem almost like a documentary of prison life in 1930. Watching the film perspectively, one can sense just how influential it was destined to become.
Highly recommended.
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June 22, 2009 "Please retry" | — | 1 |
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