DVD Corner

Caged! Blu-ray Review

“Caged!” is a top tier women in prison film.

In 1950’s “Caged!,” a pregnant, mousy and nervous 19 year old girl (Marie) is sent to prison for being an accessory to a robbery that her now deceased husband committed. As she adjusts to life behind bars, Marie learns the ropes, gets to know fellow prisoners (like June and Kitty), and discovers just how cruel the prison matron Evelyn Harper is. As time passes, Marie begins to transform into a different person completely as a result of her harsh and unjust environment.

While certainly not as gritty as more modern prison dramas, director John Cromwell’s “Caged!” is still edgy and hard hitting for its time (especially the hopeless ending). The women in prison drama could have easily devolved into a sensationalized piece of exploitation, but instead writers Virginia Kellogg and Bernard Schoenfeld created a thoughtful character piece about broken systems and broken spirits with a film noir element thrown in the mix. It’s sad and unsettling that the film’s messages continue to be as relevant as ever.

“Caged!” received 2 Oscar nominations for acting and both are entirely deserved. Eleanor Parker was at the top of her game here as Marie. Her character transformation is both nuanced and believable. An underrated actress to be sure. Hope Emerson is perfectly vile as the prison matron Evelyn. She was almost like a proto Nurse Ratched. While their roles are more limited, there are several other noteworthy performances here from the likes of Agnes Moorehead, Olive Deering (in a heartbreaking role), and Betty Garde. 

“Caged!” is available on Movie Zyng and through other online retailers. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.37:1 1080p. How does it look? As is to be expected from the ever reliable Warner Archive, this B&W film gets a pristine restoration. Keep up the great work, folks.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Film buffs can expect a nice clean audio track through and through.

Extras:
* “Caged!” theatrical trailer
* “Screen Director’s Playhouse” radio drama adaptation.
* “Big House Bunny”- Bugs Bunny cartoon.

June 27, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | 50's Movie, Agnes Moorehead, Caged! Blu-ray Review, Hope Emerson, Oscars, Warner Archive, Women In Prison Film