This fascinating--if rather stiff--production of the brooding Eugene O'Neill play showcases Paul Robeson as Brutus Jones, his most forceful and memorable film role.
Jones, a newly hired railroad porter, is first shown admiring himself before a mirror in his new uniform. His rich baritone voice makes him stand out as he booms out a moving hymn in church. Jones is clearly a man who thinks very highly of himself. This false pride proves to be his undoing. He
goes on to cheat on his fiancee and fool around with his best friend's girlfriend. He deserts her and later enters a crap game where he stabs his friend to death. He gets sentenced to a chain gang for life.
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Released:
1933
Rated:
NR
Length:
80 mins