Prison Train

Prison Train
1938 - Equity Pictures
Directed by Gordon Wiles



SYNOPSIS

Frankie Terris (Fred Keating) is a major player in the numbers racket. he tells his associate Manny (Alexander Leftwich) he's getting out and giving it all to him. Manny's son gets fresh with Terris's younger sister (Dorothy Comingore) and Frankie attacks him and kills him. Soon he's convicted and on the train to Alcatraz... but not before Manny tries to shoot him. Manny creates an elaborate plan with many men to halt the train to prison and get his revenge on Terris. Frankie Terris is able to fell those plans but not fate.

MY THOUGHTS

There are B-movies that can make the most of their low budget and limited run time for storytelling... and then there's films like Prison Train.
Many tiny studios would crank out serviceable and occassionaly great film noir in the 40's and 50's. This could be considered a dry run for those, but it barely qualifies as serviceable.

The direction at times is very inept. (not on Ed Wood levels, but close) When Manny attempts to shoot Terris, it's shot in such a confusing manner, the viewer has no idea what on earth is going on. It's only until the old newspaper headline cliche tells us what we just saw.
At the end, Terris attacks the steward played by Clarence Muse. At least that's what may have happened. It is also shot poorly.
There are also frequent extreme closups of a frantic-looking Terris while riding in the train which are cast in shadows that were clearly shot elsewhere at a different time. By the fourth or fifth time that the shot is used, it becomes quite laughable.
Also, the prisoners are trapped in their train car, but the door in and out isn't even locked. I'm not sure if this was a sign of more innocent times, where the killers and other prisoners would have class and respect enough for the police not to attempt escape... or just a bad script.

The acting is very stiff, that you would expect from b-movies from the era except Clarence Muse, who is a standout here.

The film is a breath of fresh air in its depiction of African-Americans. Clarence Muse is a steward on the train also working for the villains. He has much more depth than the "yassir, nosir" stereotypes that litter films of the era. The role is actually respectable... and sinister.

I would only recommend this film only if you would want to rip apart an old bad movie a la Mystery Science Theater 3000.