"I Am A Fugitive From A Chain Gang" (1932) helped expose the sadistic brutality of the #ChainGang system. Shackles were welded to a person's ankles as soon as they arrived at #prison. And they were permanent. #Prisoners were forced to break boulders and build #railroads. At day's end guards reported on the slowest/weakest #workers and they'd be strapped bloody by the warden. Many died.

A truly meaningful film w/ #PaulMuni giving a characteristically moving performance 😢

https://archive.org/details/i-am-a-fugitive-from-a-chain-gang-1932-le-roy

Looking for an old gangster movie? The 1932 "Scarface" kicks ass.

Paul Muni is so playful & scary & hot, frankly. The smirk & the way he walks. All the actors move distinctively, maybe from working on silent films & Vaudeville.

A portrait of life b4 machine guns were outlawed.

#blackandwhite #oldmovies #classicfilm #Scarface #1932 #PaulMuni #gangster #gangsters #mob #guns #antihero #preCode #HowardHawks #AnnDvorak #OsgoodPerkins #KarenMorley #GeorgeRaft #BorisKarloff

https://archive.org/details/scarface-1932_202109

In so many ways this world can seem so lost—dark & alone. But then I remember it is the season of light. I hope for peace for all of you. Be blessed, and see you next year. (Paul and Bella Muni on holiday, 1930s)
#paulmuni #oldhollywood #classichollywood

How about a little FROZEN JUSTICE (1929)? Paul Muni as Lanak in a role he eventually lost to Robert Frazier. Today Frozen Justice is a lost film. A pity all around. Stay warm my friends!
#paulmuni #classichollywood #oldhollywood

Elsi’s 10 Best of 2022
7. Algiers (1938) - A desperate romance in a haunting unique place
6. The Inn of the Sixth Happiness(1958) - Sincere woman saves children’s lives in war
5. A Song to Remember (1945) - Life of Chopin as seen by his teacher, acted with swagger and flair
#oldhollywood #classichollywood #paulmuni

Elsi’s 10 Best of 2022
7. Algiers (1938) - A desperate romance in a haunting unique place
6. The Inn of the Sixth Happiness(1958) - Sincere woman saves children’s lives in war
5. A Song to Remember (1945) - Life of Chopin as seen by his teacher, acted with swagger and flair
#oldhollywood #classichollywood #paulmuni

Get ready! Elsi’s Ten Best of 2022 is next week! The criteria are:
A movie of exceptional quality, with an excellent cast, direction, photography, music, intelligence & emotion
+ a movie that for whatever reason isn’t talked about much these days
#paulmuni #oldhollywood #classichollywood

Get ready! Elsi’s Ten Best of 2022 is next week! The criteria are:
A movie of exceptional quality, with an excellent cast, direction, photography, music, intelligence & emotion
+ a movie that for whatever reason isn’t talked about much these days
#paulmuni #oldhollywood #classichollywood

Paul Muni, publicity portrait, 1940s.
#paulmuni #oldhollywood #classichollywood

Paul Muni, publicity portrait, 1940s.
#paulmuni #oldhollywood #classichollywood

It’s December! Happy Holidays to all! Paul Muni as Erik Toresen in Commandos Strike at Dawn (1942). 🎄🕎❄️
#paulmuni #oldhollywood #classichollywood

Paul Muni and his wife Bella lived in Encino, about 10 miles from Hollywood, where they enjoyed their books, their dogs, and their friends. I found some contemporary photos of the home that give an idea of the relaxed and genteel lifestyle Muni preferred.
#paulmuni #oldhollywood #classichollywood

Paul Muni, publicity portrait, 1930s.
#paulmuni #oldhollywood #classichollywood

For me Paul Muni gives one of his best performances as a nameless drifter befriended by a young boy in the little-seen Stranger on the Prowl (1952). Mostly working with non-actors, Muni is at his most natural playing a man whose stern exterior conceals unexpected depths.
#paulmuni #oldhollywood #classichollywood