The Big House (1930)

Winner of 2 Academy Awards:

Best Writing

Frances Marion

Best Sound Recording

Douglas Shearer

Nominated for 2 Academy Awards:

Best Picture

Cosmopolitan

Best Actor

Wallace Beery

It won 2 Oscars out of a total of 4 nominations in 1929-30.


The Big House begins when good-natured Kent is booked to serve a decade sentence after killing a man in a drunk-driving accident.  He is then placed in a holding cell with two cellmates:  approachable leader, Morgan, and intimidating conman, Butch.  The criminals bide their time in the slammer, becoming involved in mess-hall riots and occasionally doing stretches in solitary confinement, before a breakout attempt enters its planning stages.  When the screws get word, a successful escape hinges on whether an inmate is willing to squeal or not.

This was the first film to win an Academy Award for Sound Recording, and the Oscar presented to Frances Marion for penning the story and dialogue made her the first woman to receive an Academy Award in a category that was not for Best Actress.

Wallace Beery had been a notable supporting player in silent films before the advent of sound.  His studio ultimately dropped him and he had been out of work for an entire year before earning one of the leading roles in this movie.  Due to the film's success, Wallace Beery's career skyrocketed and he soon became one of the highest paid actors on the planet.


Editorial:

This movie was such a pleasant surprise.  It excels in its writing and performances in a way that is quite outstanding for a film from this era.  The entire picture is engaging from start to finish and is able to maintain interest from even a modern-day audience.  Although Wallace Beery was singled out for his work, Chester Morris and Robert Montgomery were just as compelling.  Regardless, it is pleasing that someone was recognized in this capacity.

Score  |  07/10  |  This motion picture may be essential viewing.