BACK DOOR TO HEAVEN (1939) Wallace Ford, Patricia Ellis & Stuart Erwin | Crime, Drama | B&W

Back Door to Heaven is a 1939 American crime drama film directed by William K. Howard and starring Wallace Ford, Aline MacMahon, Stuart Erwin and Patricia Ellis.

SYNOPSIS
The narrative delves into the complexities of Frankie's life, portraying the harsh realities he faces growing up in poverty with an alcoholic father and a struggling mother. His act of stealing a harmonica, while a desperate attempt to participate in a school event, sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to his incarceration. Despite his troubled circumstances, Frankie finds solace in his relationship with his teacher, Miss Williams, who sees the good in him and believes in his potential.

As Frankie navigates the challenges of reform school and later prison, the story explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the enduring impact of education and mentorship. Through the lens of Frankie's experiences, the film sheds light on the flaws within the justice system and the struggles faced by individuals trying to rebuild their lives after serving time.

The portrayal of Frankie's reunion with his classmates and teacher serves as a poignant moment of reflection, highlighting the bonds of camaraderie and the nostalgia of returning to familiar surroundings. Despite the hope for redemption and a fresh start, Frankie's involvement in a tragic incident shatters his aspirations, leading to a heartbreaking conclusion that underscores the harsh realities of societal injustice and the fragility of human existence.

CAST & CREW
Wallace Ford as Francis ("Frankie") Rogers, as an adult
Aline MacMahon as Miss Williams
Stuart Erwin as Jud Mason
Patricia Ellis as Carol Evans, as an adult
Bert Frohman as Bert "Mouse" Gatto
Jimmy Lydon as Frankie Rogers, as a child
Anita Magee as Carol Evans, as a child
Raymond Roe as John Shelley, as a child
William Redfield as Charley Smith, as a child
Kenneth LeRoy as Bob Hale, as a child
David Johnson as Wallace Kischler, as a child
William Harrigan as Frankie's Father
Jane Seymour as Frankie's Mother
Alfred Webster as Sheriff Alvin Kramer
Robert John Wildhack as Rudolph Herzing
Kent Smith as John Shelley - as Adult (replaced by Van Heflin)
Van Heflin as John Shelley, as an adult
Douglas McMullen as Wallace Kischler, as an adult
George J. Lewis as Bob Hale, as an adult
Bruce A. Evans as Charley Smith, as an adult
Georgette Harvey as Mrs. Hamilton
Helen Christian as Mrs. Gladys Smith
Iris Adrian as Sugar, Burlesque Dancer

Directed by: William K. Howard
Written by: John Bright, Robert Tasker
Story by: William K. Howard (based on "Picket Fence")
Produced by: William K. Howard
Cinematography: Hal Mohr
Edited by: Jack Murray
Music by: Maurice Baron
Production companies: Vernon Steele Productions, Odessco Productions
Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
Release date: April 19, 1939 (New York City)
Running time: 85 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: $350,000