Another under-rated gem from the master film-maker John Ford. Though this time he goes more into character details and long interaction scenes in the first half, but in the later, he is in form again. Movies based on dual role and mistaken identity are always fun to watch since they have excitement and comedy as their key ingredients. And here too John Ford comes up with a well directed movie on crime and comedy theme, inspired by a best seller story “Jail Break”
It’s about a law-abiding man who bears a striking resemblance to a killer, with promising surprises in the end. There are entertaining moments of a meek milquetoast of a clerk is mistaken for Public Enemy #1, and the notorious killer takes advantage of the situation. Each character adds his contribution to the movie as pure diamonds in a beautiful bracelet. The opening sequence sets the mood in with ordinary man-in-the-street Arthur Ferguson Jones leads a very straightforward life. And then, the rest of the cast is introduced with some very interesting dialogues. Both Edward G.Robinson and Jean Arthur have given splendid performances. Edward G.Robinson is simply superb, with his short dialogues in a double role. And also worth watching is the interaction between Arthur Freguson Jones &killer Mannion at his house in their first scene itself.
The movie may be a bit slow for some viewers since the the usual trademark styles of John Ford, are not there. But it grows on you slowly and leaves you impressed as it ends. The interesting characterization of every individual in the story demands many repeated views of this John Ford masterpiece. In few words, it is not a usual pacy comedy, but a very good choice for students of cinema to study different aspects of movie making. In fact the movie is a fine example to teach character building in a story. Don’t expect an action packed, fast moving crime movie with great chase sequences, but instead see this movie to experience perfect scripting, brilliant direction and superb acting, all in one.
Directed By John Ford
Starring : Edward G.Robinson, Jean Arthur, Arthur Hohl, James Doulan & Others
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