Prison Without Bars
1939 BBC studio production of Peggy Barwell’s play Prison without Bars, set in a girls’ reformatory, which was adapted from a German play by Gina Kaus and Otto Edgar Eis. An inmate of a girl's reformatory competes with its superintendent for the affections of its young doctor.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman is sent to a French penal colony in New Caledonia for a crime she did not commit. There, she becomes involved with a corrupt prison governor and a charismatic prisoner who offers her a chance at escape. She must navigate the treacherous environment, making difficult choices to survive and potentially prove her innocence.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with particular attention paid to Marlene Dietrich's performance and the dramatic themes. Some critics found the plot melodramatic, while others praised its sincerity and strong performances.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for Marlene Dietrich's compelling performance.
- Criticized by some for its melodramatic plot elements.
- Noted for its grim depiction of prison life.
Google audience: Audience reception data for this 1939 film on Google is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was based on a French play by Henri Verneuil and was one of Marlene Dietrich's less successful Hollywood productions, often overshadowed by her earlier successes.
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