Review of Brute Force (1947) by Frankie A — 12 Sep 2008
Raw noir prison drama is near perfect save for a few early scenes with polemical dialogue. The flashbacks add depth and contrast by showing inmates on the outside getting caught up in criminal activity, that doesn't warrant the sub-human torture and ill-treatment dished out by Hume Cronyn's Captain Muncey in the prison.
Burt Lancaster is one of an ensemble who plan an escape despite being found out. The ineffectual warden and sympathetic prison Dr. are portayed as powerless against the ruthless Muncey, and the prison administration which backs Muncey.
Lots of excitement in this handsome cinematic showpiece by noir master Jules Dassin. Especially good along with Hume Cronyn, is Sam Levene as the prison newspaper reporter.
This review of Brute Force (1947) was written by Frankie A on 12 Sep 2008.
Brute Force has generally received very positive reviews.
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