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      Ladies of the Big House

      Released Dec 26, 1931 1h 16m Crime Drama List
      Reviews A woman (Sylvia Sidney) tries to save her husband (Gene Raymond) from the electric chair after both are sent to prison for a murder they didn't commit. Read More Read Less

      Critics Reviews

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      María Luz Morales (Felipe Centeno) La Vanguardia (Spain) The film presents scenes that reveal the expert and skillful hand of the new director Marion Gering. [Full Review in Spanish] Feb 29, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

      Audience Reviews

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      Audience Member It's a little contrived how two young lovers end up in prison on false charges, and you'll have to suspend disbelief over the judicial processes in this film. If you can get past the set-up, you will probably enjoy the performances, particularly those behind bars. Sylvia Sidney is a revelation, and really delivers here. We see close shots of her pretty face amidst flowers early on, and she progresses through scenes of outrage over their false imprisonment, and passion in saying good-bye to her husband in his jail cell, all of which are wonderful. When you hear 'pre-code women's prison film' you may have an impression based other films, such as 'Ladies They Talk About' (1933), but this one is refreshing in its portrayal of the inmates. There are no lecherous references or other exploitation, for one thing. The performances are also strong, from the inmate who hates Sidney's character (Wynne Gibson), to the one who befriends her (Louise Beavers). It also has an edge in its dialogue, and in showing a row of agitated prisoners rattling their bars and hollering, something we've seen many times through the years, but this is 1931. On the men's side of the prison (...as for the 'Gentlemen of the Big House'), Gene Raymond has some touching moments with a fellow inmate on death row, played well by Rockliffe Fellowes. There are also some nice camera angles employed from director Marion Gering, as well as a dramatic scene on the water that looked scarily realistic. Overall, not great, but a reasonably good film. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

      Cast & Crew

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      Photos

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      Ladies of the Big House

      Ladies of the Big House (1931) Ladies of the Big House (1931) Ladies of the Big House (1931) Ladies of the Big House (1931) View more photos

      Movie Info

      Synopsis A woman (Sylvia Sidney) tries to save her husband (Gene Raymond) from the electric chair after both are sent to prison for a murder they didn't commit.
      Director
      Marion Gering
      Screenwriter
      Ernest Booth, Louis Weitzenkorn
      Genre
      Crime, Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Dec 26, 1931, Original
      Runtime
      1h 16m