Busby Berkeley, known mainly as a dance director, took a big chance with this tough little drama; his second feature after signing to MGM. The story, basically a remake of 1933's THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JIMMY DOLAN, chronicles the flight of a hard-drinking boxer (John Garfield) suspected of murder. While hiding out on an Arizona farm, he befriends the juvenile delinquents working there, and finds meaning to his life. Unfortunately, a persistent detective (Claude Rains) is on his trail, and closing in fast.
Berkeley put his innovative choreography skills to good use in the fight and action scenes, and with the help of solid performances from his actors (especially the Dead End Kids, surprisingly affecting in non-comedy roles) established himself as a director capable of more than just musicals.
Prizefighter Johnnie Bradfield (John Garfield) is a man on the run from a murder rap, and a misspent life. After taking refuge on the farm of a kindly old woman, he gets a second chance at goodness when he helps some juvenile delinquents working there (the Dead End Kids). It turns out Johnnie's a great influence on these troubled boys, but unfortunately a persistent detective (Claude Rains) starts closing in just as the happy ending seems in sight. This decided change of pace for dance director Busby Berkeley packs a mean punch, and a lot of heart.
Theatrical release: January 20, 1939.
Partially filmed in Palm Desert, California.
THEY MADE ME A CRIMINAL is a remake of the 1933 film THE LIFE OF JIMMY DOLAN.
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
Dolby Digital - English
Interactive Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Text/Photo Galleries:
Filmographies
Biographies
DVD-ROM Features:
PC/Mac Compatible
Director of Photography
James Wong Howe: Legendary cinematographer
Writer
Sig Herzig: Writer
Production Designer
Anton Grot: DeMille-era art director
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