Buried Alive

Buried Alive is a gripping black and white movie from the late 1930s that introduced new dynamics into the spectacle of Hollywood thrillers. Released in 1939, the movie features an engaging lineup of vintage stars, including Beverly Roberts, Robert Wilcox, and Paul McVey—who offer sterling performances that shaped the thriller genre in its formative years.

The movie opens in the harsh yet compelling environment of a state penitentiary. The choice of setting sets the tone for a string of dark comedic narratives woven skillfully into the major plotline—a construct rather advanced for its era. The storyline navigates the murky waters of New York's complex prison system by examining the corruption and intricate bureaucracy that define the period's penal culture.

Beverly Roberts, a dynamic actress of the time, plays the character of Jo, a strong and principled doctor working within the intense confines of the prison. Her role stands out as she skirts the edge of professional duties and a quest for justice for an inmate she believes to be falsely impugned. Jo's character represents a silver lining in an otherwise grim narrative, a beacon of hope and resilience that the audience can latch on to.

Alongside Roberts, we find the talented Robert Wilcox taking on the role of Eddie, the aforementioned inmate. Eddie finds himself thrust into a situation larger than himself—a pawn in a ruthless and faceless system. Wilcox does an remarkable job encapsulating the fear, anxiety, and relentless search for vindication that embodies his character as the story unfolds.

Completing the trio is Paul McVey, the ostensible antagonist of the plot. He stars as Frank, a malicious prison warden, whose devious manipulations of the penal system pulls the strings that move other characters' actions. McVey’s performance is stunning as he expertly embodies the ruthless character, presenting a chilling portrayal of power abuse in an era defined by its stringency.

The director, Victor Halperin, crafts a suspenseful narrative that plunges the audience into a world of crime, punishment, conspiracy, and hope. Moreover, the cinematography by Arthur Martinelli and music by Abe Meyer elevate the experience. Noteworthy is the use of lighting across different scenes, creating contrasts between the grim reality of prison and the potential for hope and redemption.

The unique selling point of Buried Alive is its treatment of the prison system—instead of romanticizing the correctional institution like many of its contemporaries—it chooses to detach and critically examine it. This results in an honest, brutal, and authentic presentation of prison dynamics. A social commentary disguised as a thriller, this film inadvertently explores the consequences of power hierarchy, systemic corruption, and portrays the human struggle against injustice.

Still, it’s not all doom and gloom. A dash of romance and humor is infused into the plot to provide respite from the overarching themes of power and injustice. There's a surprisingly tender developing relationship between Jo and Eddie that adds a layer of emotional complexity and depth to the narrative. Similarly, the pervasive presence of dark humor—often manifesting at the most unexpected moments—serves as a counterpoint to the intense atmosphere, making the narrative more palatable.

Buried Alive remarkably presents dichotomies between light and darkness, power and weakness, wrongly accused prisoners and heartless bureaucrats. What makes this film even more interesting is that it straddles various genres. It is a thriller in the way it explores the penal system, a comedy in its subtle wit, a romance in its subplots, and a drama in its explorations of human emotion and resilience.

In short, Buried Alive offers more than a tale of prison life in the 1930s. It presents a poignant commentary on justice, misuse of power, and resilience in the face of adversity. Its theme and its genre-blending narrative make it an unusual but compelling watch. Above all, it stands as an early example of the thriller genre, a testament to the timeless nature of good storytelling, creating an atmosphere that leaves you on the edge-of-your-seat from start to finish. A classic movie that you should not miss.