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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 760

The Big House

193087 minUnited States
DramaCrimeRomance
Video edition
Wikimedia Commons
Original language
English
This copy runs
86:59
Subtitles
No subtitle track in this language

Languages and subtitles

No subtitle track in this language

Wikimedia Commons · George W. Hill · Public domain

Synopsis

A frightened new prisoner shares a cell with two experienced inmates in an overcrowded penitentiary. An attempt to protect himself ruins another man's chance of parole and creates a dangerous enemy. Friendship, betrayal and escape plans develop under pressure from poor conditions, eventually drawing the cellblock toward a violent confrontation.

Cast

DirectorsGeorge W. Hill

Historical context

Prison riots in 1929 helped inspire the production. Frances Marion's screenplay places personal loyalties within the pressures of confinement, and earned her an Academy Award for writing.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film referenceWikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 12, 2026.

Photograph credit

Photographs cropped, resized and optimized as WebP, displayed in monochrome.

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