Let Us Live (1939)

Let Us Live Poster

When a confused eyewitness identifies New York City cabbie Brick Tennant as a killer, he is sentenced to death for a murder that he wasn't involved in. Though no one is willing to listen to the innocent prisoner's pleas for freedom, Brick's faithful fiancée, Mary, knows that her lover is innocent because she was with him when the crime was committed. As the scheduled execution draws ever nearer, Mary begins to investigate the murder herself.

Introduction
"Let Us Live" is an effective police procedural launched in 1939. Directed by John Brahm, and starring Henry Fonda and Maureen O'Sullivan, the movie explores the heart-wrenching reality of a wrongful conviction and the tireless pursuit of justice by a female determined to release her innocent fiancé. Embed in a world dominated by prejudice and corruption, the narrative unfolds touching the hard-hitting themes of oppression, romance, and redemption.

Plot Summary
The film starts with protagonists Brick Tennant (Henry Fonda) and his girlfriend Mary Roberts (Maureen O'Sullivan), two industrious cabby planning for their future together. Their dreams are shattered when they're jailed and founded guilty on harsh murder charges they did not commit. Wrongly determined by witnesses in a case of a taxi-driver robber-gang murder spree, Brick and his good friend are sentenced to death.

Mary refuses to believe this oppression, beginning a fight to prove their innocence. She non-stop pursues witnesses, legal representatives, reporters, prominent individuals, anybody who can influence the outcome of the case. The story mainly concentrates on Mary's efforts, showing her desperation and decision in a world that's too fast to judge without evidence.

Function of Characters
Fonda delivers a powerful performance as an innocent guy facing the corrupt judicial system. His despair and desperation are palpable as he struggles to understand the frightening fate that awaits him. His girl Mary, played by O'Sullivan, does not simply stand by; instead, she ends up being the beacon of hope in the traumatic tale of injustice. Mary's resilience paints a vibrant image of love and commitment as she defies all chances to show her fan's innocence.

Conclusion/Climax
The movie gathers momentum as Mary encourages a vibrant legal representative called Sheldon to review their case. All at once, a witness who offered fake testimony on the stand is haunted by guilt and chooses to inform the truth. With Sheldon's help, Brick is granted a new trial where the witness admits his fault, clearing him and his friend of all charges. As an outcome, Brick is released, showing the power of decision in the face of grave misfortune.

Important Reception
"Let Us Live" is an intense drama that delves into the dark recesses of a problematic judicial system. It is a stirring narrative that raises relevant questions about the capital punishment, bias, and the power of dogged determination and unyielding love. The movie got blended reviews for its topic and efficiencies however continues to be hailed for its exploration of the styles of justice and redemption.

Conclusion
All in all, "Let Us Live" is a moving and engaging drama. It makes an effective declaration about the anguish of the wrongfully convicted and the ruthless pursuit of justice. The emphasize of the film is Maureen O'Sullivan's representation of an enthusiast ready to risk it all to conserve her precious. Henry Fonda also shines as an innocent man rendered powerless by a corrupt system. Through its engaging narrative and commendable performances, "Let Us Live" remains a classic example of Hollywood's Golden Age cinema.

Top Cast

  • Maureen O'Sullivan (small)
    Maureen O'Sullivan
    Mary Roberts
  • Henry Fonda (small)
    Henry Fonda
    "Brick" Tennant
  • Ralph Bellamy (small)
    Ralph Bellamy
    Lieutenant Everett
  • Alan Baxter (small)
    Alan Baxter
    Joe Linden
  • Stanley Ridges (small)
    Stanley Ridges
    District Attorney
  • Henry Kolker (small)
    Henry Kolker
    Chief of Police
  • George Lynn (small)
    George Lynn
    Joe Taylor
  • George Douglas (small)
    George Douglas
    Ed Walsh
  • Phillip Trent (small)
    Phillip Trent
    Frank Burke
  • Martin Spellman (small)
    Martin Spellman
    Jimmy Dugan
  • Ralph Remley
    Bill Henderson (uncredited)