DOUBLE ADVENTURE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22592, 23 December 1938, Page 5

DOUBLE ADVENTURE

The exciting capture and canning of tuna, the varied activities of California’s deep-sea fishing fleets, and a story of life within prison walls and after a convict’s parole, form the highlights of Universal’s actioif-thriller, “Prison Break,” which will begin today at the Plaza, with “She Loved a Fireman.”

Barton Mac Lane heads the cast, with Glenda Farrell opposite him. In support are Paul Hurst, Constance Moore, Ward Bond, Edward Pawley, Edmund Mac Donald, John Russell, Frank Darian, and Victor Killian. In filming the scenes of the tuna fishing fleet, the cast of “Prison Break" spent many days at sea in two modern tuna clippers operating in the waters adjacent to Santa Catalina Island, California, where an unprecedented run of blue-fin tuna provided authentic atmosphere, as well, as excellent sport fishing for the picture-makers.

From records of the California state parole board come many authentic incidents incorporated in the production, dealing with the plight of a paroled convict striving to make an honest living with the restrictions of his parole as a handicap. Prison politics among convict cliques, attempted jail deliveries and riots are high-action points of the drama.

Those who liked Dick Foran, Warner Bros.’ big red-headed singing cowboy, as the star of his long series of Western melodramas, will like him quite as well (and possibly better) now that he is off his horse for good and is playing in what picture-makers call “dramatic action stories.” The adventures and romances of a city fire-fighter are presented in “She Loved a Fireman,” with Dick Foran in the lead. He performs various deeds of heroism, and, of course, sings. Dick plays a young fellow who joins, the “checker-playing firemen” because

“Prison Break’’ and “She Loved a Fireman’’

he thinks their life is pretty soft. This attitude does not please his captain (Bob Armstrong), who takes his job very seriously. Bob steals Dick’s girl from him, the girl being Veda Ann Borg. Then Dick falls in love with Bob’s sister, Ann

Sheridan. She becomes the girl who “loved a fireman.” Dick is about to be dismissed from the service for inefficiency when a spectacular fire breaks out in a waterfront warehouse. Here are some amazing scenes, made under the technical advice of a Hollywood fire officer. Injured and helpless on the high roof of the warehouse. Bob is rescued by Dick in an amazing feat of strength and agility. Then, of course, everything is right for the young lovers, and for Dick’s future in the department.