moonspinner55
Warner Bros. remake of their 1932 drama "One Way Passage" has police detective Pat O'Brien capturing escaped prisoner George Brent in Hong Kong after a year's search, taking him back to San Francisco by ship; once aboard, Brent reconnects with two shady acquaintances who hope to aid in his escape, as well as ailing society girl Merle Oberon, whom Brent met in a bar while sharing a romantic cocktail. Direction, cinematography and cast all interesting, but perfunctory plot--with its impossible bushel of characters--gets stuck in an early rut. Sophistication and humor both give way to teary-eyed melodrama, though Brent and O'Brien are both excellent (as usual) and, visually at least, the film is impressive, due to director of photography Tony Gaudio's solid work. ** from ****
David (Handlinghandel)
The story is so contrived it's impossible to take even remotely seriously. Merle Oberon looks pretty and isn't really either good or bad. George Brent, though, is really hard to accept as a convicted murderer. Whom did he murder. Why? Why are we supposed to think a murderer an appropriate romantic dream partner for a sick young woman? I think this is the movie Carol Burnett parodied. In this parody -- one of her funniest -- Vicki Lawrence, playing a doctor, tells the sick girl, "No more vatnot." Pat O'Brien is very touching, on the other hand, as the police officer in charge of Brent on shipboard (which is where most of the movie takes place.) He is tough but he understands about love. Binnie Barnes is as always a delight in a small role, too. That woman was a treasure! Geraldine Firtzgerald is in it. I like her and she is OK in the movie. But her character sort of wanders around. Maybe some scenes were cut: It's never clear what her exact role in the story is.
edwagreen
The striking similarity of this good film is its resemblance to "Dark Victory." In fact, Bette Davis was offered the lead role but due to the story line bowed out in favor of Merle Oberon who gave a memorable performance as another dying heiress.Another major similarity is that George Brent and Geraldine Fitzgerald appeared in both of these films.Brent and Oberon play people who meet at a bar and fall in love instantly. Unfortunately, she is dying of heart disease and he is a convicted criminal on the lam.Frank McHugh and Binnie Barnes give excellent support as friends of Brent who try to hatch a plan for him to escape. Pat O'Brien is just a natural as the police officer who is assigned to watch Brent.With his love for Oberon and his saving of O'Brien during an escape attempt in the ocean, one wonders how Brent could be a convicted murderer. That phase of the movie is not discussed.While both know the fate of each other by the film's end, we can't forget this wonderful story and especially the human relations that develop. O'Brien is excellent as he discusses life's philosophy in a memorable scene with Miss Barnes.The ending scene on New Year's eve will bring a tear to your eye.This film should not be confused with films of the same name that were made in 1936 and 1944 respectively. All 3 films dealt with different subject matter.
whpratt1
This is a great 1940's Classic film with great actors like Merle Oberon (Joan Ames),"A Song to Remember",'45, who goes on a cruise ship and meets George Brent,(Don Hardesty), "The Spiral Staircase",'46, and the couple fall deeply in love. These two love birds each have secrets that they are keeping from each other and vow to meet in Mexico City. However, Pat O'Brien,(Police Lt. Steve Burke),"The Fighting 49th",'40 has his eyes on Don Hardesty in order to bring him to Justice!. There are great supporting actors, Frank McHugh,(Rockingham T. Rockingham),"Mighty Joe Young",'49, and George Reeves,(Jimmy Coburn),"Superman",'73 who unfortunately in real life took his own life. If you liked Pat O'Brien, George Brent and the beautiful Merle Oberon, you will not want to miss this film! Enjoy.
AD
