That's not the only fundamental strength of the film, either: it's also aided by terrific cinematography from Robert Kurrle - a prolific talent who died

Punctuated by a decently effective ending that generates a fairly strong emotional response considering the little time they actually have together. Luckily, these icebergs don't sink the ship: the inevitably doomed romance that carries One-Way Passage is just too good, and it's Precious seconds of a 68-minute movie about love on borrowed time. The lot is Skippy (Frank McHugh), a small-time pickpocket whose annoying antics and irritating little-brother laugh gobble up way too many

Not glaringly bad either but more of a half-baked distraction whose narrative purpose could've been filled by anyone. Then there's 'Countessīarilhaus' (Aline MacMahon), the alias of Dan's con artist pal 'Barrel House' Betty who's along for the trip and aids in a few of his schemes - she's Officer Burke, whose chief offense is playing the stereotypical 'dumb cop' role by being outsmarted by Dan at every turn.

Not one to leave a good thing alone, the crowded writing team - Robert Lord, who won an Oscar for this story, and/or screenwriters Wilson MiznerĪnd Joseph Jackson - figured at some point that an injection of comedy relief was needed, which arrives in three forms. Organically learn about their separate but similar fates within minutes, it's almost impossible not to be invested. When we're first introduced to Dan and Joan and Its core story to guide their temporary time together in a meaningful and effective way. To theaters only two months earlier - they still manage to carry the bulk of One-Way Passage with ease, relying on the built-in strengths of

Sharp-dressed prisoner figuratively navigates rough waters while attempting to woo his doomed young suitress.Īlthough Powell and Francis' on-screen chemistry and collective performances here aren't as strong as in Jewel Thief - a romantic comedy starring both actors which was released Terminally ill, but both would rather keep their secrets and enjoy the month-long voyage from Hong Kong, which also includes a brief stop in Honolulu.Īttempting to keep the peace with arresting officer Steve Burke (Warren Hymer), who Dan saved from drowning after initially trying to escape, the There's two catches, though: Dan (Powell) has been arrested for murder and Joan (Francis) is Lovers aboard the same ocean liner to America. William Powell and Kay Francis shoot for the moon in Tay Garnett's One-Way Passage, a sentimental pre-Code drama about star-crossed Reviewed by Randy Miller III, May 8, 2023

The passage trilogy review