Some brilliant actors inhabit this "B" crime melodrama from the mid 50's. This independent film simply adds "USA" to the title (minus "The") of the 1930 prison movie that was way ahead of its time in its depiction of prison violence. That film, along with "Brute Force", remains a classic in the genre of life-after-crime films. This film, however, doesn't have that reputation. It is, however, the genesis of a crime, here a kidnapping gone wrong, that results in the criminal (Ralph Meeker) gaining the nickname "Ice Man" in prison for his cold demeanor in the way he denies having seen the victim, sadly an 8 year old boy he kept hidden while trying to extort money from his wealthy father.
Like child molesters, kidnappers of children in prison are considered the lowest of the low, and in this case, Meeker's cell-mates (Broderick Crawford, Lon Chaney Jr., Charles Bronson) ostracize him immediately. But knowing he has ransom money stashed away, they decide to include him in on their escape plans, with the intention of killing him once he leads them to it. This leads them back to the scene of the original crime where there is a sad, ironic conclusion that is unfortunately still too real in crime solving.
All of the actors are excellent, even if they are playing totally despicable people. The prison scenes don't begin until half way through the film even though Crawford is top-billed. Meeker is really the focus of the film. There are some genuine horrifying visuals, especially the fate of the asthmatic 8 year old. This is not for ultra-sensitive movie viewers. It is interesting to note that Bronson, pretty much shirtless in his entire time on screen, has a physically amazing torso. Crawford and Chaney's characters are pretty interchangeable. Like most crime dramas or 50's film noir, the film has the typical documentary-like narration that by this time was totally clichéd. The result is a gripping but ultimately depressing film that will leave the viewer speechless.
Like child molesters, kidnappers of children in prison are considered the lowest of the low, and in this case, Meeker's cell-mates (Broderick Crawford, Lon Chaney Jr., Charles Bronson) ostracize him immediately. But knowing he has ransom money stashed away, they decide to include him in on their escape plans, with the intention of killing him once he leads them to it. This leads them back to the scene of the original crime where there is a sad, ironic conclusion that is unfortunately still too real in crime solving.
All of the actors are excellent, even if they are playing totally despicable people. The prison scenes don't begin until half way through the film even though Crawford is top-billed. Meeker is really the focus of the film. There are some genuine horrifying visuals, especially the fate of the asthmatic 8 year old. This is not for ultra-sensitive movie viewers. It is interesting to note that Bronson, pretty much shirtless in his entire time on screen, has a physically amazing torso. Crawford and Chaney's characters are pretty interchangeable. Like most crime dramas or 50's film noir, the film has the typical documentary-like narration that by this time was totally clichéd. The result is a gripping but ultimately depressing film that will leave the viewer speechless.