Girls in Chains Poster

Girls in Chains 1943

★ 4.76 votes75 min📅 1943-05-17

"GIRLS' REFORM-SCHOOL RACKET EXPOSED!"

Edgar G. Ulmer's *Girls in Chains* (1943) dives into a shadowy world of juvenile delinquency and institutional corruption, where reform schools hide darker secrets behind their walls.

Director: Edgar G. Ulmer

Cast

Arline Judge
Arline Judge
Helen Martin
Roger Clark
Roger Clark
Frank Donovan
Robin Raymond
Robin Raymond
Rita Randall
Barbara Pepper
Barbara Pepper
Barbara Pepper
Dorothy Burgess
Dorothy Burgess
Mrs. Peters
Clancy Cooper
Clancy Cooper
Marcus
Jack Randall
Jack Randall
Johnny Moon (as Allan Byron)
Patricia Knox
Patricia Knox
Jean Moon
Sid Melton
Sid Melton
Pinkhead (as Sidney Melton)
Russell Gaige
Mr. Dalvers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *Girls in Chains* (1943) about?

*Girls in Chains* follows a fired teacher who lands a job at a girls' reform school, only to uncover a dangerous racket operating under the guise of rehabilitation. Pairing with a detective, she navigates a world of deceit, where corruption runs deeper than the students' past mistakes.

Who directed *Girls in Chains*?

The film was directed by Edgar G. Ulmer, known for his work in noir and low-budget films.

Who stars in *Girls in Chains*?

The film features Arline Judge, Roger Clark, Robin Raymond, Barbara Pepper, and Dorothy Burgess in key roles.

Is *Girls in Chains* (1943) worth watching?

Though unrated on IMDb, *Girls in Chains* offers a gripping exploration of crime and reform with Ulmer's signature dark tone. Its tight runtime and social themes make it a hidden gem for classic film enthusiasts.

How long is *Girls in Chains*?

The film has a runtime of 75 minutes.

About Girls in Chains (1943) — Crime drama exposing corruption in a girls' reform school

Edgar G. Ulmer's *Girls in Chains* (1943) dives into a shadowy world of juvenile delinquency and institutional corruption, where reform schools hide darker secrets behind their walls. When an idealistic teacher, fired from her previous position, takes a job at a girls' correctional facility, she stumbles upon a web of deceit and racketeering. Teaming up with a determined detective, she uncovers the brutal reality of exploitation within the system, blending gritty crime drama with raw human drama. The film's claustrophobic atmosphere and moral ambiguity draw viewers into a tense narrative that questions the very purpose of reform.

Set against the backdrop of 1940s America, *Girls in Chains* explores themes of justice, redemption, and the cracks in societal structures. Ulmer's direction infuses the story with a noirish edge, while the ensemble cast brings depth to the characters caught in the crossfire of crime and reform. With sharp dialogue and an unflinching look at institutional failings, this underrated gem offers more than just a crime thriller—it's a glimpse into the human cost behind the headlines.

Fans of classic crime dramas and social justice narratives will find *Girls in Chains* a compelling watch, packed with suspense and thought-provoking moments.