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Ellis Island is a classic drama film from 1936, directed by Phil Rosen and produced by Jack Schwarz. It stars Donald Cook, Peggy Shannon, and Jack La Rue in lead roles. The movie is set in the early 20th century when Ellis Island was the primary entry point for immigrants into the United States. The story revolves around a young immigrant named Tony, played by Cook, who arrives in America with big dreams and aspirations. Tony is an Italian immigrant who is determined to make a better life for himself and his family. He is full of hope and is eager to start his new life in the land of opportunity.

However, things don't go as planned for Tony when he arrives in America. He is immediately detained for medical reasons and sent to Ellis Island. While on Ellis Island, Tony must undergo a series of medical tests and examinations to determine if he is fit to enter the United States. The process is long and grueling, and Tony begins to lose hope that he will ever be allowed into the country.

Tony's fortunes take a turn for the better when he meets a nurse named Mary, played by Shannon. Mary is kind and compassionate, and she takes a liking to Tony. She helps him navigate the complicated process of entering the country and offers him hope when he is at his lowest point.

As Tony waits on Ellis Island, he meets a variety of other immigrants who are also trying to enter the United States. He befriends a man named Max, played by La Rue, who becomes his ally in navigating the legal system. Max is a savvy operator who knows how to work the system and get what he wants. He takes Tony under his wing and helps him in his quest to enter America.

As the days turn to weeks, Tony and Max become more desperate to enter the United States. They realize that the process is rigged against them, and they will need to resort to desperate measures if they want to be allowed into the country. The tension builds as they try to find a way to outsmart the system and enter America.

Ellis Island is a powerful drama that explores the plight of immigrants who came to America in search of a better life. It captures the sense of hopelessness and desperation that many immigrants felt as they waited on Ellis Island. The movie is a poignant reminder of the struggles that many immigrants faced when they arrived in America.

The acting in Ellis Island is superb, with Cook, Shannon, and La Rue giving standout performances. Cook is excellent as the naive and innocent Tony, who is filled with hope and optimism. Shannon is equally impressive as the compassionate nurse who offers Tony a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak situation. La Rue is fantastic as the street-smart Max, who is a master of the system and knows how to get what he wants.

The movie is beautifully shot and captures the essence of the early 20th century. The set design is excellent, and the film does an excellent job of recreating the feel of Ellis Island in the early 1900s. The score is also excellent, adding to the emotional impact of the film.

Overall, Ellis Island is a powerful drama that explores the struggles of immigrants who came to America in search of a better life. It is a timeless classic that is just as relevant today as it was when it was released in 1936. The film is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of immigrants and their incredible contributions to American society.

Ellis Island is a 1936 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.