The read
Critics rate it 30 points higher than audiences do. It runs a compact 1h 30m.
Synopsis
Stigmatized from infancy by the fate of his criminal father, a man is bruised and bullied until one night, in a fit of rage, he kills his most persistent tormentor. As the police close in around him, he makes a desperate bid for the love of the dead man’s girlfriend, a schoolteacher who sees the wounded soul behind his aggression.
Ratings
IMDb7/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Critics rate it 30 points higher than audiences do.
78 audience votes
Key crew
- Frank BorzageDirector
- Charles F. HaasScreenplay
- William LavaOriginal Music Composer
Cast
- Dane ClarkDanny Hawkins
- Gail RussellGilly Johnson
- Ethel BarrymoreGrandma
- Allyn JoslynClem Otis
- Rex IngramMose
- Harry MorganBilly Scripture
- David StreetKen Williams
- Selena RoyleAunt Jessie
- Harry Carey Jr.Jimmy Biff
- Irving BaconJudd Jenkins
- Lloyd BridgesJerry Sykes
- Houseley StevensonUncle Joe Jingle
Stills
Themes
difficult childhoodharassmentself-defenseswampchildhood traumafilm noirguiltsurrenderhiding from the policedead fatherrighteous rageaccidental killing