Big House, U.S.A
Big House, U.S.A

Movie spotlight

Big House, U.S.A

1955
Movie
83 min
English

A tough and realistic crime drama unfolds as merciless kidnapper Jerry Barker (Ralph Meeker) demands ransom paid against a young runaway whose fate lands Barker in Casabel Island Prison.

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Director: Frank R. StrangGenres: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir

Plot Summary

The film tells the story of a group of convicts who are serving time in a brutal prison. The main character, a tough ex-soldier, tries to maintain his integrity and protect other inmates from the harsh realities of prison life. He faces corruption from guards and violence from fellow prisoners, all while seeking a way to survive and possibly escape.

Critical Reception

Big House, U.S.A. received a mixed reception from critics upon its release. While some praised its gritty portrayal of prison life and strong performances, others found the plot predictable and the depiction of violence gratuitous. It is often considered a typical, albeit somewhat grim, example of a 1950s prison melodrama.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its tough, no-nonsense depiction of prison realities.

  • Criticized by some for its bleak outlook and formulaic narrative.

  • Broderick Crawford's performance as a hardened inmate was often highlighted.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

Despite its gritty portrayal, the film was shot on location at the actual San Quentin State Prison, lending it an authentic and imposing atmosphere.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

I'm gonna kidnap a kidnapper for the money he kidnapped for. Big House, U.S.A. is directed by Howard W. Koch and written by John C. Higgins, George George and George Slavin. It stars Broderick Crawford, Ralph Meeker, Reed Hadley, Willia...