It seems to be genuinely true that this film played a part in the abolition of forced labour in the United States penal system, although its contribution to that cause may well have been overstated in the past.

Chain Gang was the first of Warners’ social conscience pictures of the thirties. Throughout the decade the studio would tackle many issues, most notably gangsters (The Public Enemy, Little Caesar etc.), but also immoral jounalists (Five Star Final and Blessed Event), corporate greed (Employers’ Entrance) and institutionalised abuse (The Mayor of Hell).

Paul Muni was considered to be the finest actor in Hollywood, in the early days of sound pictures, and was referred to as ‘Mr. Paul Muni’, in Warners’ publicity ads.  He began with social conscience pictures like Chain Gang and Scarface, before moving on to historical biopics such as The Life of Emile Zola and The Story of Louis Pasteur, the latter earning him an Oscar in 1936.  Halliwell appreciated the earlier features more, and gave Muni this dedication in the Filmgoer’s Companion:

‘For convincing world audiences of his day that heavy disguise made a great actor; and for his powerful early performances.’

 

Year: 1932