Up the River

directed by John Ford
Category: "Comedy"
Year of Release:1930
Date Added:04/21/2026
Date Watched:04/21/2026
Description:Convict Steve (Humphrey Bogart), in prison because he accidentally killed a guy in a fight, works in the prison office. Me meets Judy (Claire Luce), sentenced to a year because her boss was running a scam and let her take the rap. They fall in love and agree to meet when they get out. Steve gets out first and goes home to his wealthy family. Judy's old boss , Frosby, contacts him and threatens to tell Steve's mother that he wasn't in China like he said, but in jail, if he doesn't help with the scam. Steve has to go along — until Frosby starts scamming Steve's mother. He writes a letter to Judy, who is still in prison. She tells two of Steve's friends, Louis (Spencer Tracy), escape artist and star pitcher on the prison baseball team, and Dan, a dope who does whatever Louis tells him. They break of prison, meet with Steve, and take care of Frosby by breaking into his safe. They then go back to prison and turn themselves in in time to win the big game. On the way, they meet Judy on the way out. She's hesitant to go to Steve because she's from a poor background, but Louis convinces her that Steve really loves her, and gives her the money she needs to go to him.
My Rating:7

Reviews for Up the River

Review - Up the River

The only remaining copy of this film is jumpy and full of splices — if there is a legit purpose for AI, it could be used to repair films like this. It was interesting because it was Spencer Tracy and Humphrey Bogart's first film, and you can see hints of their talent. The story itself is kinda fun, and there are some legitimate laughs along the way. For example, when Louis and Dan go to Steve's home, his mother invites them to dinner, not knowing they're escaped convicts. Dan, who is a near-moron, knows all the rules of etiquette, jumping up to hold the chair for Steve's mother and sister, etc. Louis just stares, astounded. It's played subtly and it's hilarious. It was a very early talkie, and some scenes were done in pantomime like a silent film, and there were even a couple intertitle cards along the way.
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