They All Come Out 1939
"Inside Federal Prisons! Alcatraz! Atlanta! Four Men and a Girl! See What Really Happens!"
Jacques Tourneur's early noir gem *They All Come Out* (1939) plunges viewers into the raw underbelly of America's federal prison system, where a desperate young man finds himself tangled in a web of crime and reform.
Director: Jacques Tourneur
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is They All Come Out (1939) about?
This crime drama follows a struggling young man who inadvertently joins a bank-robbing gang, only to end up in federal prison. Inside, he faces a stark choice: will prison break him or set him on a new path?
Who directed They All Come Out?
Jacques Tourneur, the visionary filmmaker behind later noirs like *Cat People* and *I Walked with a Zombie*, directs this early glimpse into the prison system.
Who stars in They All Come Out?
The film features Rita Johnson as the central female lead, alongside Tom Neal, Bernard Nedell, and Edward Gargan in key roles.
Is They All Come Out (1939) worth watching?
For fans of classic noir and prison dramas, *They All Come Out* offers a gritty, atmospheric look at crime and punishment. While it may not boast the same level of polish as Tourneur's later works, its themes and performances make it a compelling watch for genre enthusiasts.
How long is They All Come Out?
The film runs for 70 minutes, making it a tight, efficient entry in the prison drama genre.
About They All Come Out (1939) — Noir Classic Exploring Crime and Redemption in Prison
Jacques Tourneur's early noir gem *They All Come Out* (1939) plunges viewers into the raw underbelly of America's federal prison system, where a desperate young man finds himself tangled in a web of crime and reform. Fresh off a string of bad luck, he crosses paths with a motley crew of armed robbers, landing them all behind bars in institutions like Alcatraz and Atlanta. The film strips away glamour to expose the stark realities of incarceration, asking whether time behind bars can truly turn a life around—or if fate has already sealed one's destiny. With crisp direction and a moody atmosphere, Tourneur crafts a story that blends crime drama with social commentary, all wrapped in the gritty tension of 1930s prison life.
Rita Johnson shines as the resilient young woman caught in the crossfire, while Tom Neal and Bernard Nedell deliver performances that crackle with the desperation of men at their breaking points. The film's themes of redemption, survival, and the slippery slope of crime resonate as strongly today as they did over 80 years ago. Audiences will leave with a new perspective on what it means to serve time—and whether justice ever truly comes out on top.