John Garfield is hard drinking boxer Johnnie Bradfield, who through a twist of fate, becomes the prime suspect in a murder case. Rather than take the fall for a crime he did not commit, Johnnie goes on the run, hiding out on a farm where a group of juvenile delinquents (The Dead End Kids) have been sent to work. Taking it upon himself to help set this group straight, the clock ticks as tireless detective (Claude Rains) closes in and the fate of the boxer and the future of the kids hang in the balance. Combining well choreographed fight and action scenes with the suspense and drama delivered by Garfield, Sheridan and Rains, director Busby Berkeley creates an exciting and sympathetic story of a life and redemption.

Busby Berkeley, known mainly as a dance director, took a big chance with this tough little drama; his second feature after signing to MGM. The story, basically a remake of 1933's THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JIMMY DOLAN, chronicles the flight of a hard-drinking boxer (John Garfield) suspected of murder. While hiding out on an Arizona farm, he befriends the juvenile delinquents working there, and finds meaning to his life. Unfortunately, a persistent detective (Claude Rains) is on his trail, and closing in fast.

Berkeley put his innovative choreography skills to good use in the fight and action scenes, and with the help of solid performances from his actors (especially the Dead End Kids, surprisingly affecting in non-comedy roles) established himself as a director capable of more than just musicals.