20,000 Years in Sing Sing

Watch 20,000 Years in Sing Sing

"MEN without WOMEN...MEN without HOPE! smash their lives to pieces against their STEEL CHAINS!"
  • Passed
  • 1932
  • 1 hr 18 min
  • 6.8  (2,941)

In 20,000 Years in Sing Sing, Spencer Tracy plays Tommy Connors, a small-time crook who is sentenced to 20 years in Sing Sing prison for a burglary. Bette Davis plays Fay Wilson, Connors' girlfriend who is loyal to him even after he is sent away. Arthur Byron plays Warden Lewis E. Lawes, a progressive prison administrator who believes in treating inmates humanely and rehabilitatively.

The film opens with Connors being escorted into Sing Sing, a maximum-security prison in upstate New York. He is stripped down, searched, and given a uniform, a number, and a cell. The harsh reality of prison life hits Connors hard, as he is subjected to brutal treatment by both the guards and his fellow inmates. He is initially reluctant to participate in the programs and work assignments that the prison offers, but eventually he finds purpose in his life behind bars.

One of the biggest challenges Connors faces is dealing with the corruption and violence that pervades the prison. He becomes involved with a group of prisoners who are planning a mutiny, but he also befriends a guard who is sympathetic to the inmates' plight. Over time, he learns to navigate the complex social hierarchy of prison life, forging alliances and avoiding enemies, all while trying to maintain his dignity and his sanity.

The other major theme of the film is the relationship between Connors and Fay. Though they are physically separated by the prison walls, they stay in contact through letters and visits. Fay is determined to help Connors escape from Sing Sing, but he resists her efforts, knowing that he would be caught and punished even more harshly if he were to be caught. Instead, he focuses on earning his parole and reuniting with Fay on the outside.

Throughout the film, Warden Lawes is portrayed as a compassionate and intelligent figure, who is genuinely interested in reforming the men in his care. He implements a number of progressive policies, such as allowing inmates to participate in sports and cultural activities, and providing educational and vocational training. He also takes a personal interest in Connors, recognizing that he has potential for rehabilitation.

The climax of the film comes when Connors is up for parole. He has worked hard to improve himself, and he makes a compelling case for his release. However, the parole board is skeptical of his claims, and they ultimately deny his application. Heartbroken, Connors faces the prospect of spending another 15 years in Sing Sing.

Overall, 20,000 Years in Sing Sing is a gritty and realistic portrayal of life in one of America's most notorious prisons. It offers a nuanced depiction of the complex social dynamics that exist behind bars, as well as the challenges and opportunities that face those seeking rehabilitation. The performances by Tracy, Davis, and Byron are all excellent, and the direction by Michael Curtiz (who would later direct Casablanca) is taut and suspenseful. Though it was made over 80 years ago, the film still resonates today, as our society grapples with issues of crime, punishment, and social justice.

20,000 Years in Sing Sing
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Description
  • Release Date
    1932
  • MPAA Rating
    Passed
  • Runtime
    1 hr 18 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.8  (2,941)