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Laughable 1933 Barbara Stanwyck prison tale
posted by genplant29STAFFMOD on August 15, 2017 at 6:55 AM
This little 1933 movie doesn't even try to be credible or to take itself very seriously. It features women's prison cells prettified with both sheer and regular curtain window treatments, vases with flowers in said windows, Victrola in a cell, wealthy society matron prisoner, immaculately coifed, actually allowed to keep her pet lap dog with her at all times; etc. The prisoners wear dresses of their choosing (and, if desired, high heels), despite having been issued generic uniforms. This is San Quentin Penitentiary's women's prison ward that houses murderers, thieves, etc. - not to mention it's during the Great Depression. So, yeah - right - about all the mentioned silliness. 
How the final ten or so minutes play out also is completely unbelievable, regarding how drastically Nan's feelings for David Slade - the man she's been loathing for years - switch within a matter of seconds.
This is definitely not one of Barbara Stanwyck's great career milestones. But it's certainly entertaining for some lite mindless diversion lasting a little over an hour.
Reply by tmdb53400018
on August 15, 2017 at 1:24 PM
Barbara always struck me as kind of a tough broad - but I don't know about tough enough for prison.
Reply by genplant29
on August 16, 2017 at 1:20 AM
She holds her own nicely in this movie's prison. One of the fun moments is when she slaps another prisoner so hard that she not only knocks her down, but also out.
Reply by genplant29
on August 16, 2017 at 3:03 AM
I agree with you. While the male prison films were often rather hard-hitting during this era, the female ones tended towards "prison lite" silliness.
Reply by tmdb53400018
on August 16, 2017 at 4:51 PM