U UNCHAINED ( 1955), WB. Dir. Hall Bartlett; Sc. Hall Bartlett; Cast includes: Elroy Hirsch, Barbara Hale, Chester Morris, Todd Duncan, Johnny Johnston, Peggy Knudsen. Elroy Hirsch is sentenced to serve time at Chino in this above-average prison drama based on the book Prisoners Are People by Kenyon J. Scuder, former supervisor of the California Institute for Men. A prison dedicated to the honor system, Chino is without bars, armed guards or uniforms -- a concept designed to discourage escape. Hirsch, like many others incarcerated here, soon learns to accept this approach. Chester Morris portrays the sympathetic warden who prefers the honor system over the former violent methods of control. The incidents dramatized in the film allegedly were based on actual case histories. Hirsch was a former football star ("Crazylegs" Hirsch). The Warner Bros. studio released more prison films than any other movie company. UNCLE HARRY ( 1945), U. Dir. Robert Siodmak; Sc. Stephen Longstreet; Cast includes: George Sanders, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Ella Raines, Sara Allgood, Moyna Maggill, Samuel S. Hinds. When the younger of two spinster sisters stops their brother's marriage, her intervention ends in a family tragedy in this leisurely drama based on the play by Thomas Job. George Sanders, the duped brother, learns of his sister Geraldine Fitzgerald's scheme and sets out to poison her. However, Moyna Magil, the older sister, accidentally is poisoned instead. Fitzgerald is tried and convicted for the murder. UNDER AGE ( 1941), Col. Dir. Edward Dmytryk; Sc. Robert D. Andrews; Cast includes: Nan Grey, Tom Neal, Mary Anderson, Alan Baxter, Leona Maricle, Don Beddoe. Young women, recently released from detention centers, are forced to work for racketeers in this routine exploitation drama. The new recruits are placed in fraudulently run motels, saloons and other businesses designed to separate male customers from their money. Young jewelry salesman Tom Neal helps to put an -295- |