One Way Passage Blu-ray Review
“One Way Passage” is a romantic pre-code film.
Directed by Tay Garnett, 1932’s “One Way Passage” begins with Dan and Joan meeting at a bar. The two are smitten with one another and eventually end up meeting again on a ship en route to San Francisco (with a stop in Hawaii). Alas, these two lovebirds are harboring a secret. Dan is a convicted murderer who was on the run, but has been arrested by Police Srgt. (Steve) who is taking him to San Quentin. Joan, meanwhile, is dying from an illness. Dan is seeking to escape, but can he or will he? Elsewhere in the story are key subplots involving a frequently drunk thief (Skippy) and a con artist posing as a Countess (Barrel House Betty) who falls for Steve. Both Skippy and Betty are friends of Dan.
Clocking in at a mere 67 minutes, writers Wilson Mizner, Joseph Jackson and story creator Robert Lord have crafted a short and to the point romance that successfully blends in comedy and tragedy. While far fetched to be sure, you can’t help but get swept up by this ill-fated romantic tale. It’s a good old fashioned Hollywood weepie that tugs at your heart strings. Moreover, the film contains unique characters who aren’t always pure, but have their heart in the right place. Really, there’s something for everyone here.
On the subject of the characters, the cast excels here. William Powell (best known for The Thin Man series) is in peak form here as a charismatic criminal scoundrel with a big heart. Kay Francis plays well opposite Powell and delivers a heartfelt performance. Aline MacMahon steals the show as Betty/Countess as she essentially gets to play dual roles (both of which are very different). Warren Hymer also shines as the Policeman Steve who is more than just an obligatory lawman.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.37:1 1080p. How does it look? In typical Warner Archive fashion, this B&W classic gets a stunning restoration.
Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? It may be a Mono track, but it’s been cleaned up and sounds quite satisfactory.
Extras:
* Theatrical trailer
* 2 radio drama adaptations- Lux Radio Theater and Screen Director’s Playhouse Radio Show
* “A Great Big Bunch Of You” cartoon short.
* “Buzzin’ Around” Fatty Arbuckle short film
“One Way Passage” is available on Moviezyng.com and other online retailers.
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