Each Dawn I Die
Each Dawn I Die

Each Dawn I Die

1939Movie92 minEnglish

A corrupt D.A. with governatorial ambitions is annoyed by an investigative reporter's criticism of his criminal activities and decides to frame the reporter for manslaughter in order to silence him.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: William A. WellmanGenres: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir

Plot Summary

A crusading newspaper editor is framed for murder and sent to prison. Inside, he navigates the brutal realities of the penal system and its corrupt guards. He forms an unlikely alliance with a hardened mobster to expose the conspiracy that landed him behind bars and bring the real culprits to justice.

Critical Reception

Each Dawn I Die was generally well-received for its gritty portrayal of prison life and strong performances from its lead actors. Critics at the time praised its fast-paced narrative and the compelling dynamic between Cagney and Raft. The film is considered a solid entry in the pre-Code crime drama genre, offering a stark look at injustice and corruption.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intense prison atmosphere and gritty realism.
  • James Cagney and George Raft deliver powerful, memorable performances.
  • The film effectively tackles themes of corruption and wrongful imprisonment.

Google audience: Audience reception data for this classic film is not readily available through modern Google review metrics.

Fun Fact

The film was controversial upon release for its depiction of harsh prison conditions and homosexual undertones, leading to some censorship.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review