Review of I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932) by Josh H — 15 Nov 2007

A powerful story about the grim realities of life on a southern chain gang, and what it can lead a man to become. Warner Bros made one of the most historically important and socially conscience films of the 1930â??s. The intense action still works today. It really was quite a thriller. Amazing to see how much of an impact the autobiographical book â??I Am a Fugitive From a Georgia Chain Gangâ?? made on society. The film was certainly significant for me as I have heard a number of stories throughout my life about my great-grandfather who worked as a trainer and handler of bloodhounds on a North Georgia chain gang. This film was apparently banned in Georgia.

Paul Muni was fantastic; he played the role of an increasingly flawed protagonist with such emotional intensity. The final line of the film was a perfect metaphor â?? â??I steal,â?? as he slowly fades into the dark.