Obey the Law
Obey the Law

Movie spotlight

Obey the Law

1933
Movie
64 min
English

In this drama, an immigrant barber becomes a US citizen and works hard to uphold his ideals of personal freedom and rights. He is a total supporter of the system, and when he is held-up, decides to reform the criminal by feeding him and finding him work. Later, a local politician attempts to tell people how to vote, but the barber is not swayed and becomes an example to others in his neighborhood.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: G.B. ManardGenres: Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

A young man, wrongly convicted of a crime he didn't commit, finds himself thrown into the harsh realities of prison life. Within the confines of the penitentiary, he struggles to maintain his innocence and his spirit amidst corrupt guards and hardened criminals. His journey becomes a fight for survival and a desperate attempt to prove his truth to the outside world.

Critical Reception

Obey the Law is a rare example of an early independent film that attempted to tackle social issues, specifically the flaws within the justice system and the brutality of prison life. While its production values are typical of its era and budget, it garnered attention for its gritty portrayal and a surprisingly candid look at penal institutions, earning a niche following for its controversial subject matter.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its bold, albeit raw, depiction of prison life.

  • Noted for its early exploration of judicial and penal system failures.

  • Considered a product of its time with dated pacing and acting, but holds historical interest.

Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews for this film is not readily available, suggesting it is not widely discussed or rated by contemporary audiences on the platform.

Fun Fact

Despite its title and themes, "Obey the Law" was an independent production and was considered controversial for its time, leading to limited distribution and making it a relatively obscure film.

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