The Big House
Seen it?1930 | 87 min | Crime, Drama
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (75% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won 2 Oscars, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans. If you loved Point Blank or The Silence of the Lambs, start here.
- The mood
- Dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 27 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1930: an older pace and style.
Convicted of manslaughter for a drunken driving accident, Kent Marlowe is sent to prison, where he meets vicious incarcerated figures who are planning an escape from the brutal conditions.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
75% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsStrong
Won 2 Oscars: Best Sound, Best Writing. Also nominated for 2 more Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$2 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 23K people sought it out in the past year
More like this
Point Blank Saturday SpecialAnother prison crime drama.
The Silence of the Lambs
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed prison crime drama.
The Shawshank Redemption Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed prison crime drama.
The Man with the Golden Arm
Sunday Safe BetAnother prison crime drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Dog Pound
Weeknight WatchAnother prison drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by George W. Hill
- Chester MorrisJohn Morgan
- Wallace BeeryMachine Gun 'Butch' Schmidt
- Lewis StoneWarden James Adams
- Robert MontgomeryKent Marlowe
- Leila HyamsAnne Marlowe
- George F. MarionPop
- J. C. NugentMr. Marlowe
- Karl DaneOlsen
- DeWitt JenningsWallace
- Matthew BetzGopher