Penal Code

Regis Toomey made such an impact in "Alibi"
but he was destined to spend much of his long
career in programmers.
He played Bob Palmer in this film which tried
to go for the "social protest" film by depicting
how uphill life could be for a someone who has
done time in prison and now wants to turn over
a new leaf. None of his family know that he is
in prison (for a crime he didn't commit, of
course) - in fact he uses a courier service that
sends letters from prisoners from wherever
they choose. He has opted for Brisbane,
Australia and the mother's constant question
at the beginning is "Do you happen to know
where Brisbane is"?
Once home he is even reinstated at his old
bank - where his problems first started, and
takes off where he left off with his girl. But
there is a fly in the ointment - and if there
wasn't it would be a pretty boring movie. Jim
is not impressed with Bob pushing him out of
the picture as regards Margie and hopes soon
to send him back to prison for a longer stretch!
For a "no frills" film it does try to tackle a serious subject.

Had lots of atmosphere and very invocative of those times - perhaps a tad far-fetched in places but still a very clever story, loaded with early 1930's ambience.