Canon City

Canon City is a noir-inspired crime drama from 1948 directed by Crane Wilbur and starring Scott Brady, Jeff Corey, and Whit Bissell. Notably, the film is based on an actual event that took place in 1947 – an escape from the Colorado State Penitentiary in Canon City. The film skillfully blends elements of the semi-documentary style popular in postwar Hollywood with elements of a traditional prison drama, resulting in a tense and compelling film experience.

Scott Brady, an actor known for his rugged good looks and forceful screen presence, takes one of the lead roles in Canon City. Brady plays a hardened prisoner named Jim Sherbondy, who serves as a central figure among the 12 convicts who form the escape plan. The film's narrative uses Sherbondy's character as the hook to draw the audience into the stark realities of prison life and the desperate lengths that inmates will go to reclaim their freedom.

Jeff Corey, a highly respected character actor, turns in a powerful performance as the prisoner Lewis, who acts as the mastermind of the escape. The relationship between Sherbondy and Lewis becomes a central point in the narrative, with the tension between them serving as a setup for the film's suspenseful third act.

Rounding out the main cast, Whit Bissell plays an essential supporting role, contributing to the overall anxious atmosphere of the film. Throughout the narrative, he conveys the paranoia that spreads within the prison walls prior to and during the daring breakout.

The film's director, Crane Wilbur, is largely remembered for his work in the horror and crime genres, and his skillful touch elevates Canon City above the standard crime drama. Wilbur utilizes actual locations where the infamous breakout occurred, giving the film an authentic feel that enhances the overall impact of the storyline.

Wilbur also incorporates actual people who were involved in the 1947 event to create a more realistic portrayal of the breakout, and it gives the viewer a documentary-like perspective of the historic escape. The townspeople of Canon City played themselves, and Wilbur's choice to engage them immediately following the escape provides a fantastic insight into the frenzy and moments of suspense that define this period in the town's history.

The script of Canon City, written by Wilbur, is crisp and fast-paced. The plot is focused and concise, which is a characteristic of many crime dramas of this period. The dialogue is often sharp and biting, reflecting the gritty world of the prison environment and the hardened criminals who inhabit it.

The black and white cinematography by John Alton is gritty and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the bleak reality of prison life and the raw desperation of men aiming for their liberty. The tight camera work builds tension throughout the movie, culminating into one of the most gripping climaxes you’ll encounter in a vintage crime drama.

Rounding out the technical achievements of Canon City is the score by Albert Glasser. His score is a mix of foreboding orchestration and intense, suspenseful tempos that underscore the inmates' desperation and heighten the tension during the film's climactic moments.

Canon City is not an average crime drama. It is a terrifyingly authentic cinematic version of a real, unforgettable event. The performances from Brady, Corey, and Bissell are compelling, and the direction and script by Wilbur are top-notch. The film's successful synthesis of documentary-style filmmaking and classic crime drama makes it a must-watch for fans of vintage cinema or historical crime dramas. From its authentic cast and locations to its atmospheric cinematography and thrilling score, Canon City represents classic film noir at its best.