{"id":36032,"date":"2016-02-01T22:10:54","date_gmt":"2016-02-02T05:10:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=36032"},"modified":"2020-12-24T00:49:16","modified_gmt":"2020-12-24T07:49:16","slug":"dead-end-1937","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=36032","title":{"rendered":"Dead End (1937)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>&#8220;Never go back; always go forward!&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Poster.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Poster-196x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"196\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-36033\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Poster-196x300.jpg 196w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Poster-84x128.jpg 84w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Poster.jpg 580w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 196px) 100vw, 196px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Synopsis:<\/strong><br \/>\nIn the New York tenements, a woman (Sylvia Sidney) secretly in love with her childhood friend (Joel McCrea) &#8212; who in turn pines for the beautiful mistress (Wendy Barrie) of a rich man &#8212; tries to protect her brother Tommy (Billy Halop) from being arrested after he injures the father (Minor Watson) of a snobby rich kid (Charles Peck). But the arrival of on-the-lam gangster Baby Face Martin (Humphrey Bogart) &#8212; in town to visit his mother (Marjorie Main) and former-girlfriend-turned-prostitute (Claire Trevor) &#8212; causes Halop and his friends Dippy (Huntz Hall), Angel (Bobby Jordan), Spit (Leo Gorcey), T.B. (Gabriel Dell), and Milty (Bernard Punsly) to view a life of crime as a lucrative ticket out of poverty.\n<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>\n<strong>Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Claire Trevor<\/li>\n<li>Class Relations<\/li>\n<li>Fugitives<\/li>\n<li>Humphrey Bogart Films<\/li>\n<li>Joel McCrea Films<\/li>\n<li>Juvenile Delinquents<\/li>\n<li>Play Adaptations<\/li>\n<li>Sylvia Sidney Films<\/li>\n<li>William Wyler Films<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Response to Peary\u2019s Review: <\/strong><br \/>\nPeary points out that this &#8220;successful adaptation of <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dead_End_(play)\">Sidney Kingsley&#8217;s play<\/a>&#8221; &#8212; featuring a &#8220;tough script by Lillian Hellman and strong yet sympathetic direction by William Wyler&#8221; &#8212; led &#8220;to a wave of juvenile-delinquent dramas&#8221;; indeed, it&#8217;s perhaps best known for kicking off a series of films featuring <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dead_End_Kids\">&#8220;The Dead End Kids&#8221;<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Dead-End-Kids.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Dead-End-Kids.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"576\" height=\"416\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-59230\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Dead-End-Kids.png 576w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Dead-End-Kids-300x217.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Dead-End-Kids-128x92.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Dead-End-Kids-374x270.png 374w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Because producer &#8220;Sam Goldwyn wouldn&#8217;t let Wyler film on location&#8221;, we &#8220;don&#8217;t get a sense of the grit, grime, claustrophobia, and heat of the slums&#8221; &#8212; but Peary argues that &#8220;the clean studio sets with their painted backdrops act much like a Brechtian alienation device that forces us to realize that this story isn&#8217;t self-contained but rather is representative of many tragic real-life stories of the urban poor&#8221;. <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Stage.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Stage.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"576\" height=\"416\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-59229\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Stage.png 576w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Stage-300x217.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Stage-128x92.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Stage-374x270.png 374w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>These days, <em>Dead End<\/em> comes across as an undeniably stage-bound but still compelling drama featuring fine cinematography and potent direction: each scene is expertly crafted, with dramatic black-and-white shadows metaphorically highlighting the abject distance between the river-bound slum and the wealthy tenants who literally look down on its residents. Bogart is well-cast in a role he first inhabited on Broadway:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Bogart.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Bogart.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"576\" height=\"416\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-59227\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Bogart.png 576w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Bogart-300x217.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Bogart-128x92.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Bogart-374x270.png 374w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>and Sidney is appropriately doe-eyed yet stoic:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Sidney2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Sidney2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"576\" height=\"416\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-59228\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Sidney2.png 576w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Sidney2-300x217.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Sidney2-128x92.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Sidney2-374x270.png 374w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>But the best performance is by Oscar-nominated Claire Trevor, who only appears onscreen for about five minutes yet packs a quietly devastating wallop.   <\/p>\n<p><strong>Redeeming Qualities and Moments: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>William Wyler&#8217;s direction<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Direction.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Direction.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"576\" height=\"416\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-36034\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Direction.png 576w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Direction-128x92.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Direction-300x217.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Direction2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Direction2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"576\" height=\"416\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-36039\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Direction2.png 576w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Direction2-128x92.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Direction2-300x217.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Gregg Toland&#8217;s cinematography<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Cinematography4.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Cinematography4.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"576\" height=\"416\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-36038\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Cinematography4.png 576w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Cinematography4-128x92.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Cinematography4-300x217.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Cinematography.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Cinematography.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"576\" height=\"416\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-36035\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Cinematography.png 576w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Cinematography-128x92.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Cinematography-300x217.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Cinematography3.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Cinematography3.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"576\" height=\"416\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-36037\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Cinematography3.png 576w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Cinematography3-128x92.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Cinematography3-300x217.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Claire Trevor as Francie<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Trevor.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Trevor.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"576\" height=\"416\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-36040\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Trevor.png 576w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Trevor-128x92.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Dead-End-Trevor-300x217.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Must See? <\/strong><br \/>\nYes, as a strong outing by a master filmmaker and for its historical relevance in introducing the &#8220;Dead End Kids&#8221; to the silver screen. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Categories<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Historically Relevant<\/li>\n<li>Important Director<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Links: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0028773\/\">IMDb entry<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tcm.com\/tcmdb\/title\/72485\/dead-end#articles-reviews?articleId=18626\">TCM Article<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.timeout.com\/london\/film\/dead-end\">Time Out Capsule Review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;Never go back; always go forward!&#8221; Synopsis: In the New York tenements, a woman (Sylvia Sidney) secretly in love with her childhood friend (Joel McCrea) &#8212; who in turn pines for the beautiful mistress (Wendy Barrie) of a rich man &#8212; tries to protect her brother Tommy (Billy Halop) from being arrested after he injures the father (Minor Watson) of a snobby rich kid (Charles Peck). But the arrival of on-the-lam gangster Baby Face Martin (Humphrey Bogart) &#8212; in town&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"><a class=\"btn btn-default\" href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=36032\"> Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-36032","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-responses-to-peary"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36032","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=36032"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36032\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":59231,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36032\/revisions\/59231"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=36032"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=36032"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=36032"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}