Watch Seven Miles from Alcatraz

In the 1942 film Seven Miles from Alcatraz, we are taken on a thrilling adventure that begins when a group of prisoners plot their escape from Alcatraz Island - the notorious prison in the middle of San Francisco Bay. The film is directed by Edward Dmytryk and features a talented cast including James Craig, Bonita Granville, and Frank Jenks.

The story begins with Steve Burkburnett (James Craig), a wise-cracking petty criminal who's just been transferred to Alcatraz. The prison is considered the most secure in the country, notorious for its harsh conditions and remote location - it's located over seven miles from the mainland, hence the title. Steve is immediately warned by the warden that he's not going to play any games, but Steve makes it clear that he's always looking for a way out.

Shortly after his arrival, Steve is recruited by an inmate named Dutch (Frank Jenks) who has formed a gang to try to escape the prison. Steve is hesitant at first, but eventually agrees to join the gang. Meanwhile, we meet Trudy (Bonita Granville), a spunky social worker who is trying to reform the prisoners behind bars. She takes an interest in Steve and begins to believe that he's not as bad as he seems.

As the gang begins to plan their escape, tensions rise and Steve must decide where his loyalties lie. He's torn between his loyalty to Dutch and his growing feelings for Trudy. The situation becomes even more complicated when Steve learns a secret that Dutch has been keeping from the rest of the gang.

The film is filled with tense moments as the gang navigates the dangerous waters surrounding Alcatraz, and struggles to evade the authorities who are hot on their trail. There are moments of humor, too, as the prisoners make sarcastic remarks about their conditions and the guards who are watching them.

The performances are excellent overall, especially from James Craig, who brings a lot of charisma and charm to the role of Steve. He's a likable anti-hero, and we quickly root for him to succeed in his escape attempt. Bonita Granville is also very good as Trudy, bringing a lot of spunk and energy to the role. Her character is a refreshing contrast to the hardened criminals around her.

The film is surprisingly well-produced, with realistic sets and impressive camera work. There are some stunning shots of the prison and the surrounding bay, which add to the sense of isolation and danger. The score is also excellent, adding to the tension and drama on screen.

Seven Miles from Alcatraz is a classic prison drama that still holds up today. It's a tense and exciting film with strong performances and impressive production values. If you're a fan of old Hollywood movies or prison dramas, you won't want to miss this one.

Seven Miles from Alcatraz is a 1943 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 2 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.