The Prisoner of Shark Island

Problematic elements aside (i.e. black stereotypes and a Confederate view of history) this is a well directed, visually arresting treatment of a thoroughly embellished 'true life' story of a rather unusual moment forgotten by time. Ford never let the truth get in the way of a good yarn, and if you can accept it on its own terms without concern for historical accuracy, it is an enjoyable tale of courage under extreme duress featuring a solid turn by Baxter and a knockout escape sequence.

This extremely fanciful depiction of Mudd's story is a fairly solid film due mostly to John Ford's sublime direction and good performances from Baxter and Carradine.

73.000

This had all the marks of a great picture! John Ford's visual direction is excellent. He brings some of the shadowy elements he used for The Informer (1935) and continues to explore. Warner Baxter makes one of his stronger role portrayals of his career. And this was a historically, racially and socially fascinating story. Yet, I struggled to love it as much as it deserved! Something was missing for me to get emotionally involved. A well crafted movie that any movie expert would love to explore.

Ford directs the hell outta this, and he's so good with ceremonies that the hanging becomes quite a moment even if no main character is at stake. Politics is too bland, perhaps even misguided, but this has dramatic power and good storytelling and cinematic values, if overall still somewhat underwhelming.

I just couldn't STAND this movie.

Corny as hell, belittling use of minorities as comedic relief, and this still comes out in the positive for me. Must be the AMAZING cinematography. Yes, I think it is.

Maybe a little too romantic when it comes to an end, but nevertheless a great experience. The film's confident visuals occasionally evoke some completely arresting moments; certain scenes have a peculiar vitality impossible to resist, a vitality primarily born out of polished framing and considerate lighting that - along with the actors' facial expressions, obviously - effectively convey the powerful emotional states the characters see themselves in.

Great film. Ford mixes in a strong humanistic element, while using the expressionism he had been experimenting with in the 30's to great effect. This makes the visuals the most impacting element of the film. Further, Ford's profound simplicity is on display here to great form in the film's first fifteen minutes. The scenes with Lincoln on the balcony of the White House and at Ford's Theater create an effective and heartfelt prologue for the action to follow.