The film begins with John Garfield in prison. It turns out, however, after serving a year and a half, the REAL culprit confesses and Garfield is released. Considering everything, it's very understandable that he's bitter.
Oddly, the authorities appeared to have done NOTHING to help Garfield after his release. Now he's a hobo riding the rails. And, when he and a couple teens (Billy Halop and Bobby Jordan) are picked up for vagrancy, they are sent to a work farm! Talk about adding insult to injury! The farm has a sadistic drunk as a foreman and he makes life tough for Garfield. Along the way, he meets up with the drunk's step-daughter (Priscilla Lane) and they fall in love. Later, when her drunk father attacks Garfield, John defends himself and strikes the old guy--and the man dies. In desperation, the pair fun from the farm and eventually get married. Along the way, they meet up with a lot of people who inexplicably like the couple and treat them with kindness. And, in the end, when Garfield is caught and tried for the killing, these people come from all over the country to speak on his behalf.
Although I'll admit that the film is preachy (especially during the defense's closing arguments), it is highly effective and entertaining. There are also a lot of excellent performances that all make it well worth seeing. An excellent film--the sort of Depression-era crime drama and social commentary that Warner Brothers did best.
Oddly, the authorities appeared to have done NOTHING to help Garfield after his release. Now he's a hobo riding the rails. And, when he and a couple teens (Billy Halop and Bobby Jordan) are picked up for vagrancy, they are sent to a work farm! Talk about adding insult to injury! The farm has a sadistic drunk as a foreman and he makes life tough for Garfield. Along the way, he meets up with the drunk's step-daughter (Priscilla Lane) and they fall in love. Later, when her drunk father attacks Garfield, John defends himself and strikes the old guy--and the man dies. In desperation, the pair fun from the farm and eventually get married. Along the way, they meet up with a lot of people who inexplicably like the couple and treat them with kindness. And, in the end, when Garfield is caught and tried for the killing, these people come from all over the country to speak on his behalf.
Although I'll admit that the film is preachy (especially during the defense's closing arguments), it is highly effective and entertaining. There are also a lot of excellent performances that all make it well worth seeing. An excellent film--the sort of Depression-era crime drama and social commentary that Warner Brothers did best.