MovieChat Forums > Caged (1950) Discussion > First WBB Movie?

First WBB Movie?

posted 14 years ago by YankeeDood
6 replies | jump to latest

I can't believe this fantastic drama got by me, I just watched it for the first time tonight on TCM.
Every actor is superb and the storyline is captivating, I couldn't move from my seat!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this the first Women Behind Bars film made? I grew up watching b-movie favorites like "Caged Heat" and "Reform School Girls", but this one was made long before they were released and was likely their inspiration. In my view, "Caged" is better than those movies, even though I enjoyed them, because it held my interest all the way through while these other WBB movies lagged in some parts.
What an outstanding film with outstanding talent involved. I hope to see it many more times.

Mt rating : 9/10

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[–] holbrookp 14 years ago

You can find more information on the genre here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_prison_film

I don't think CAGED was the first but it was probably the most important one up to that time.

"Truth is its own evidence." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

[–] YankeeDood 14 years ago

Thanks. I know most refer to them as "Women In Prison" movies, but my phrase comes from a marathon I watched on TV once titled "Women Behind Bars". Unfortunately, "Caged" was not in that lineup.

After scanning IMDB, I found this -

"It was not until the 1950s, beginning with the release of Caged (1950), starring Eleanor Parker and Agnes Moorehead, So Young, So Bad (also 1950), and Women's Prison (1955) with Ida Lupino and Cleo Moore, that an entire film was set inside a women's correctional facility."

So, it appears that "Caged" and "So Young, So Bad" would be the earliest movies that centered on prison life for women.

But it still surprises me that WiP films were made that far back. Interesting find.

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[–] Alanlinel 11 years ago

Women They Talk About, 1933

[–] jfd0210 11 years ago

I remember Anne Shirley being in a prison movie, not sure of the title, had to be mid to late 1930's.
I vividly remember her in a crowd scene, screaming. Maybe she is trampled to death?

[–] just1Hitch 10 years ago

I remember Anne Shirley being in a prison movie, not sure of the title, had to be mid to late 1930's.
I vividly remember her in a crowd scene, screaming. Maybe she is trampled to death?

Condemned (1938)

Excuse me for talking while you're interrupting.

[–] thepixinator 7 years ago

I was going to say "I Want to Live" came first but it was relleased in 1958. It's an. Incredible film as well.