I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)
It was a running joke in my family that my grandfather always raved about I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang, and in particular, Paul Muni. “Have you ever seen I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang? Paul Muni was so great!” he’d say. We always said, “No, we’ve never seen it,” without any real desire to correct our mistake. The title just sounded silly.
When we finally watched it for the first time, we had to take back every joke we ever made. It’s fantastic! I couldn’t believe it was made in 1932, and I couldn’t believe what a wonderful, raw, emotional performance Paul Muni gave. No wonder Grandpa loved him! In the beginning of the movie, Paul talks to his mother about how frustrated he feels. He wants to get out and make his own way in the world; even if he starts from the bottom just digging ditches, at least it’s his own accomplishment. It’s such a wonderful scene, and so natural, which wasn’t the style back then. Normally, an actor given those lines would shout and flail his arms and press the back of his hand to his forehead. Paul just lets his voice do the talking, and it’s very powerful.
As the title suggests, Paul’s plans go awry, and he finds himself in jail. And, as the title also suggests, it isn’t long before he plans a prison break. Even now, 85 years later, the action and chase scenes are incredibly exciting. There’s no need to take yourself back in time to appreciate this movie. Go rent it, even if you think it sounds silly. I assure you it’s not. You’ll discover the bright new star, Paul Muni, who, after only four movies became instantly immortal. And you’ll understand why this movie beat out such stiff competition at the first Hot Toasty Rag Awards ceremony, sweeping Best Picture, Director, and Actor.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru. And thanks "Classic Cinema Central Seleus B" for posting!
More Paul Muni movies here!
When we finally watched it for the first time, we had to take back every joke we ever made. It’s fantastic! I couldn’t believe it was made in 1932, and I couldn’t believe what a wonderful, raw, emotional performance Paul Muni gave. No wonder Grandpa loved him! In the beginning of the movie, Paul talks to his mother about how frustrated he feels. He wants to get out and make his own way in the world; even if he starts from the bottom just digging ditches, at least it’s his own accomplishment. It’s such a wonderful scene, and so natural, which wasn’t the style back then. Normally, an actor given those lines would shout and flail his arms and press the back of his hand to his forehead. Paul just lets his voice do the talking, and it’s very powerful.
As the title suggests, Paul’s plans go awry, and he finds himself in jail. And, as the title also suggests, it isn’t long before he plans a prison break. Even now, 85 years later, the action and chase scenes are incredibly exciting. There’s no need to take yourself back in time to appreciate this movie. Go rent it, even if you think it sounds silly. I assure you it’s not. You’ll discover the bright new star, Paul Muni, who, after only four movies became instantly immortal. And you’ll understand why this movie beat out such stiff competition at the first Hot Toasty Rag Awards ceremony, sweeping Best Picture, Director, and Actor.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru. And thanks "Classic Cinema Central Seleus B" for posting!
More Paul Muni movies here!