Watch Big House, U.S.A.

Big House, U.S.A. is a gripping and tense crime drama from 1955. Starring the brilliant Broderick Crawford as Winston Compton, the film follows the story of a group of kidnappers who take the son of a wealthy businessman for ransom. As the investigation unfolds, Compton takes it upon himself to track down the kidnappers and rescue the boy.

The movie begins with the kidnapping of young Tommy Hale. His parents, who are wealthy and influential, are contacted by the kidnappers who demand a huge ransom. The family hires a private detective, Hoop, played by Ralph Meeker, to assist the police in their investigation. The kidnappers are cunning and manage to keep a step ahead of the law, causing all sorts of troubles for the team investigating the case.

Compton, played by Crawford, is a ruthless and unyielding escaped convict who is seeking revenge against those who put him behind bars. When he learns of the ransom for Tommy, he hatches a plan to take the money for himself, recruit a team of criminals, and flee the country. He manages to enlist his old partner, Doc, played by the brilliant Reed Hadley, and together they execute a daring plan to infiltrate the Hales' home, take the ransom money, and flee.

As the police and Hoop try to track down the kidnappers, they get closer and closer to uncovering Compton's plan. The tension builds as Hoop and the police team track down the kidnappers and try to rescue the young boy before it's too late. Meanwhile, Compton and his accomplices face their own set of obstacles as they seek to escape the country with their ill-gotten gains.

The movie is well-paced and well-acted. The three leads - Crawford, Meeker, and Hadley - are all fantastic in their roles. Crawford, in particular, is excellent as Compton. His performance is powerful and intense, and he manages to portray the character's desperation and cunning perfectly. Meeker is also great as Hoop, delivering an understated performance that is both nuanced and believable, while Hadley is excellent as Doc, Compton's partner in crime.

The film also features some great location shots, including scenes filmed inside San Quentin prison and in the streets of Los Angeles. The cinematography is top-notch, and the use of light and shadow gives the movie its classic film noir feel.

All in all, Big House, U.S.A. is a compelling and entertaining crime drama that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With excellent performances from the three leads, great location shots, and a well-crafted story, it's a must-see for fans of classic cinema.

Big House, U.S.A. is a 1955 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.