It's really amazing that this film is rarely talked about today or even viewed as a classic, since it's one of the bravest and most exciting films of its time. It all takes place in a Southern town. A man is accused of a murder he did not commit. The prosecutor soon realizes the man didn't do it, but he's the perfect scapegoat (a Yankee who only recently moved to the South) AND he thinks he can milk this into a successful bid for the Senate! So, this cynical clod (so well played by Claude Rains), does nothing to help exonerate the man and encourages the mob mentality that is growing in the town.
What I particularly liked about the film is that it never ran from the course it had taken and copped out for a "Hollywood" ending. No, what occurs seems real and ugly and the film is full of ugly people, not sanitized ones. A gritty and compelling drama that is a must-see for serious fans of Hollywood's Golden Age.
For a similar film that is also worth seeing, try watching FURY (1936) with Spencer Tracy. For a similar film that is god-awful, try watching MOUNTAIN JUSTICE (1937)--don't say I didn't warn you about this one!
What I particularly liked about the film is that it never ran from the course it had taken and copped out for a "Hollywood" ending. No, what occurs seems real and ugly and the film is full of ugly people, not sanitized ones. A gritty and compelling drama that is a must-see for serious fans of Hollywood's Golden Age.
For a similar film that is also worth seeing, try watching FURY (1936) with Spencer Tracy. For a similar film that is god-awful, try watching MOUNTAIN JUSTICE (1937)--don't say I didn't warn you about this one!