_02.jpg)
Women's Prison is a collage kind of movie, in that there are several different storylines taking place. First, there's Helene Jensen (Phyllis Thaxter), who is serving a sentence for involuntary manslaughter after accidentally killing a child with her car. Shocked and scared, Helene is barely able to function; although the kindly prison doctor (Howard Duff) advises against it, Helene is put immediately into quarantine and, ultimately, into a strait jacket.
Entering the facility the same time as Helene is Brenda Martin (Jan Sterling), a repeat offender serving time for forgery. Brenda is somewhat the mother hen of the group, always looking out for and helping the other girls.
Joan Burton (Audrey Totter) is married to a man (Warren Stevens) who is incarcerated in the men's side of the prison; although they know it is against regulations, Joan and her husband yearn to see each other and will do whatever it takes for that to happen. No matter how impossible it seems, Glenn Burton intends to find a way to reach the women's side of the prison, and when he finally gets there, there is a steep price to be paid.
Keeping watch over all these women is the cold-hearted superintendent, Amelia Van Zandt (Ida Lupino). Although Miss Van Zandt claims she is rehabilitating the women, Dr. Crane accuses her of enjoying her power over them. Calling her a psychopath, he charges that she dislikes the women and is jealous of them because they've known love---something she has not. Though Dr. Crane repeatedly warns her about her ill-treatment of the women, Amelia perseveres with her harsh, brutal ways, until, unable to stand the treatment any longer, the inmates plan a revolt.
Though nowhere near the caliber of Caged, I found Women's Prison to be a solid, 3-star viewing experience. Ida Lupino, who could portray a "good" girl and a "bad" girl equally well, was her usual terrific self. She oozed coldness in this role, and I SO wanted her to receive her dues. Jan Sterling, who, incidentally, was also in Caged, was terrific in her role as well. I don't know, maybe it's the accent, but she was perfect as the smart aleck habitual offender. Phyllis Thaxter was well cast in her part. Her character was timid and scared, nearly completely broken at the thought of being incarcerated. Every role I've ever seen Phyllis in, she's gentle and kind, very soft-spoken...so she was perfectly suited to the character of Helene Jensen. Howard Duff was fine as the compassionate doctor---no spectacular performance, just solid and believable....and what a beautiful voice!! All in all, I liked this movie and recommend it. Those who are fans of Ida Lupino, Howard Duff, or prison drama ought to especially enjoy it. Be sure to see Caged as well (reviewed HERE) and then compare the two.
The film is out on DVD, so it should be fairly easy to track down. Happy viewing!!
