Review of Brute Force (1947) by Monsieur R — 24 Mar 2010
I have yet to see a film about men trying to break into prison and stay, but someone has probably done that one as well. Its easier to land in prison than to leave, no suprise.
Predictably, this is a film about a man wanting to break out of prison.
Not intending a slap at this film, but for my time and money, Burt Lancaster in Birdman of Alcatraz was a more compelling drama (for me) of a man dealing with prison than our Joe breaking out.
This is a fine expose of an "old school" prison. It's just that it's about the same old bad ass prison I have always seen in so many films. Inmates that are stooges get killed. Wardens are beasts. Probably all very true however, so to its credit this film isn't pulling any punches.
The title, Brute Force, comes from the society's lock 'em up and forget 'em attitude of the times and is a great, creative title for the film.
Although pleas from the inside for a more humane prison are voiced, brute force remains the prescription for these unfortunate inmates. We get a foreshadow early of what's to come when the prison is described by one person as a powder keg waiting to blow.
Lots of well known supporting actors are cell mates of Joe Collins (Burt Lancaster). Brute Force is crime drama with a hammer.
This review of Brute Force (1947) was written by Monsieur R on 24 Mar 2010.
Brute Force has generally received very positive reviews.
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