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Poster for I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang

I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang

Seen it?

1932 | 92 min | Drama

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes), it drew serious awards attention and it made about 8 times its budget. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved The Great Escape or Sing Sing, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 32 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1932: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

A World War I veteran’s dreams of becoming a master architect evaporate in the cold light of economic realities. Things get even worse when he’s falsely convicted of a crime and sent to work on a chain gang.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    96% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.8 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Nominated for 3 Oscars.

  • Box office & staying powerStrong

    $2 million worldwide on a $196K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 33K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Mervyn LeRoy

  • Paul MuniJames Allen
  • Glenda FarrellMarie Woods
  • Helen VinsonHelen
  • Noel FrancisLinda
  • Preston FosterPete
  • Allen JenkinsBarney Sykes
  • Berton ChurchillThe Judge
  • Edward EllisBomber Wells
  • David LandauThe Warden
  • Hale HamiltonRev. Allen