Watch They Made Me A Criminal

They Made Me A Criminal is a 1939 film noir starring John Garfield, Claude Rains, and The Dead End Kids. The film tells the story of a young boxer named Johnnie Bradfield, played by Garfield, who is forced to go on the run after he is accused of murder. Johnnie Bradfield is a rising star in the boxing world, but he has a reputation for being a bit of a troublemaker. One night, after a wild party, a woman is found dead in his apartment. The police immediately suspect Johnnie, and he knows that he will not get a fair trial if he stays in town. With the help of his manager, he goes on the run, but he soon finds himself in more trouble than he bargained for.

After hitching a ride with some young street urchins known as The Dead End Kids, Johnnie finds himself in a small town, where he takes on a new identity and starts working on a farm. He quickly bonds with the people in the town, including a beautiful young woman named Peggy, played by Ann Sheridan. But even as he tries to start a new life, Johnnie knows that he can't outrun his past forever.

Claude Rains gives a standout performance as a cynical and manipulative lawyer named Humphrey, who is determined to capture Johnnie and turn the case into a media sensation. Rains manages to convey both the cunning and the desperation of Humphrey, who is willing to do anything to win the case and advance his own career.

The film is notable for its cinematography, which makes great use of shadows and contrasts to create a moody and atmospheric look. The scenes in the small town are particularly effective, with the camera lingering on the faces of the residents and capturing the mundane details of everyday life.

The Dead End Kids are a highlight of the film, injecting a dose of energy and humor into their scenes with Garfield. Their rough-and-tumble charm is infectious, and they bring a sense of spontaneity and unpredictability to the film.

Throughout the film, Garfield gives a nuanced and compelling performance, portraying Johnnie as a complex and sympathetic character who is struggling to come to terms with his past mistakes. He brings a sense of vulnerability to the role, making Johnnie much more than just a typical tough-guy boxer.

They Made Me A Criminal is a gripping and satisfying film noir that manages to balance moments of action and suspense with quieter, more introspective scenes. With strong performances from its cast and a stylish visual aesthetic, it stands as a classic of the genre.

They Made Me A Criminal is a 1939 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.