One Way Passage

1932

1h 9m

Romance

List

100%

Tomatometer

6 Reviews

80%

Audience Score

250+ Ratings

When Dan Hardesty (William Powell) meets Joan Ames (Kay Francis) in a Hong Kong bar, he doesn't let on that he's an escaped murderer, nor she that she's suffering from a fatal illness. After Dan is caught by Sergeant Steve Burke (Warren Hymer), the two head back to America via ocean liner, and spot Joan also aboard. Dan talks Steve into letting him out of the cuffs, and for the duration of the trip, he and Joan indulge in a romance both know can never last.

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a perpetually compelling drama that benefits from the magnetic efforts of its two stars...

Rated: 3/4

Oct 28, 2023

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

A charming film that earned the Oscar for Best Original Story.

Rated: 3/4

May 24, 2023

Full Review

Michael E. Grost

Classic Film and Television

Tragic romance with a classic premise.

Nov 30, 2015

Full Review

Tim Brayton

Antagony & Ecstasy

The very best women's picture of the 1930s.

Rated: 10/10

Nov 25, 2013

Full Review

Ken Hanke

Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

A beautiful little movie that has weathered its 80 years effortlessly.

Rated: 5/5

Jan 17, 2013

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

This is a breezy story.

Rated: B

Apr 18, 2003

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Steve D

It is just too damn dark and depressing for me.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

03/02/24

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acsdoug D

If you're looking for 1930s era melodrama you could do worse. The story with Powell and Francis is very good, but I felt distracted by the presence of two superfluous con artists who do nothing to advance the story, their only purpose seems to be providing unnecessary comic relief.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/12/23

Full Review

Russ

Anything with William Powell in it is going to be film worth watching and I'm falling in love with Kay Francis. The supporting cast of Warner Bros. contract players is adequate. Not a lot special about the plot; even The Bard himself stole the star-crossed lovers theme.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/10/23

Full Review

Frances H

Well done film about two doomed people who fall in love. Powell is his usually charming self and Kay Francis plays fragile terminally ill woman who finds her last days full of love.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/24/20

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Audience Member

A great film, a classic ending

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The best romance movie ever made!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

Full Review

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Tay Garnett

Director

William Powell

Dan

Kay Francis

Joan

Frank McHugh

Skippy

Aline MacMahon

Betty

Warren Hymer

Steve

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Synopsis

When Dan Hardesty (William Powell) meets Joan Ames (Kay Francis) in a Hong Kong bar, he doesn't let on that he's an escaped murderer, nor she that she's suffering from a fatal illness. After Dan is caught by Sergeant Steve Burke (Warren Hymer), the two head back to America via ocean liner, and spot Joan also aboard. Dan talks Steve into letting him out of the cuffs, and for the duration of the trip, he and Joan indulge in a romance both know can never last.

Director: Tay Garnett
Producer: Hal B. Wallis, Robert Lord
Screenwriter: Wilson Mizner, Joseph Jackson
Production Co: Warner Bros. Pictures
Genre: Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (DVD): Oct 26, 2010
Runtime: 1h 9m