I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang Details

Quite simply, one of the best films I've ever seen.

Without a doubt, this is one of the finest films I have seen. Paul Muni's performance is so good, it's practically indescribable. This story will rip your heart out, and rightly so. The film is very well done in every way, down to the smallest detail. The first time I watched this film I was completely blown away by its brilliance. It is an understated classic.

Based on a true story, Paul Muni gives an outstanding performance the eponymous fugitive James Allen, war hero looking to re-adjust in a post-war USA when he is wrongly convicted for a robbery and sentenced to ten years hard labour on a chain gang. He makes his escape and starts a new life but that is only the beginning of what happens in this film.

This exceptional movie was directed by Mervyn LeRoy and it stands up well today which is remarkable when you consider it was made as long ago as 1932. I've now seen it several times and am always mesmerised by Paul Muni's performance, just the expressions on his face alone are fascinating. The ending still lingers in my head when Muni says his final line, it will take your breath away. Quite simply, one of the best films I've ever seen.