Prison stripes is what the title here refers to as a reformed gangster tries to go straight upon being released from prison, only to find that no legitimate business wants to employ an ex-con and nobody wants to work beside one. It is a bit of a simplistic message to drive an entire film, and star George Raft's dialogue only spells things out with lines such as "the rules only work one way", but Raft is nevertheless convincing as an ex-con gradually driven back into a life of crime since nobody out there seems to care whether or not he has really reformed. Solid support also comes from a pre-'Maltese Falcon' Humphrey Bogart as fellow inmate of Raft's who decides not to even attempt going straight after his stint in the joint. The less said about William Holden, cast as Raft's kid brother, the better though. It is interesting to see the Oscar winner younger than ever in his first major role here, but his character is irksome and seems to only function as an excuse for Raft to later get back into the criminal underworld. Whatever the case, the film never outstays its welcome, running at just over 75 minutes. It also helps that the movie has its heart in the right place with its blunt portrait of the difficulties faced by former criminals trying to turn straight, but it is a theme done much better since. The film's descent into obscurity over the years is certainly no surprise, but Bogart is really that impressive for those thinking of seeking it out. His turn here is even arguably finer than in 'They Drive by Night', which Bogie and Raft also collaborated on in the following year.
Review of Invisible Stripes
