Safe in Hell (1931): Greater Than Pre-Code Expectations

“Have a little faith will yuh? There’s a great big plan that we don’t get. But the fella that’s made the plan knows what it’s all about.” Safe in Hell leans into its title as fire literally crackles behind the opening credits.  The story’s origins begin on ... Read full article

Clearing Out My DVR: Safe in Hell (it was hell!)

I love my DVR. Next to the Keurig coffee maker and the GPS, it is an invention that changed my life for the better. However, unlike the coffee maker, which gratifies me instantly with hot coffee and the GPS, that provides quick and (usually) correct directions, the DVR requires that I actually watch... Read full article

Dorothy Mackaill in Safe in Hell (1931)

The opening of Safe in Hell is a bit deceptive. The film’s title appears on screen, with its block-style, capital letters filled in with a silent roar of angry flames. Meanwhile, the music we hear conjures a scene from the late 1800s, perhaps a pair of ladies strolling through the park with ankle-... Read full article

SAFE IN HELL ( 1931 )

Was there any director who could expertly tackle so many different genres as William A. Wellman? When I look over his filmography, I see he’s one tough cookie. His films look issues squarely in the eye. Think about his gangster, western, war, adventure,  satire and message movies. Many of his ... Read full article

SAFE IN HELL (1931) from Warner Archive: When it Comes to Pre-Code, Seeing is Believing

“Black & white movies are so boring and fake,” a co-worker once said to me, with an accompanying look of disgust usually afforded to those who belch audibly in public places. In my younger days, I might have taken the bait and tried to plead my case. But now that I’m older (and lazier)... Read full article