Timeworn Joe Collins and his fellow inmates live under the heavy thumb of the sadistic, power-tripping guard Captain Munsey. Only Collins' dreams of escape keep him going, but how can he possibly bust out of Munsey's chains?
Producer Joan Harrison, who seems to have profited from a long association with Alfred Hitchcock, and Director Irving Pichel have created mounting suspense which comes to a distinctly surprising and explosive climax as the jury brings its verdict.
– Bosley Crowther,
New York Times,
25 Mar 2006
fresh:
This is one of Dassin's best films.
– Tom Milne,
Time Out,
24 Jun 2006
fresh:
Bristling, biting dialog by Richard Brooks paints broad cameos as each character takes shape under existing prison life.
– Variety Staff,
Variety,
8 Apr 2008
fresh:
The escape sequence has the spatial intricacy of the heist in Dassin's Rififi, but the tone is tougher, bleaker, and more suspenseful.