STEVE HAYES: Tired Old Queen at the Movies - CAGED

CAGED (1950)

Emotions run riot as Eleanor Parker and a superb cast of actresses fight for their rights and freedom in John Cromwell's tale of women behind bars, CAGED (1950). Parker, earning the first of three Oscar nominations, plays Mary, a pregnant girl of nineteen, tried, convicted and "sent up the river" for one to five years on a first offense. Despite the kindness and guidance of Agnes Moorehead as the kindly warden, Parker learns how to survive in a cage filled with ruthless women who'll stop at nothing and have nothing to lose. She's joined by talented array of some of the best character actresses in the business, including; Jan Sterling, Betty Garde, Ellen Corby, Lee Patrick, and fellow Oscar nominee Hope Emerson as Harper, the unforgettably evil and gargantuan prison matron. It's a riveting drama, filled with superb performances, raw emotions and heartbreaking moments that will stay with you long after "lights out."

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with John "Johnny" Bixler and Steve Hayes

• Category

  Education

[jaytlr9]

Have seen this many times, STeve; you review makes me appreciate it all the more. Some trivia: the woman who told Eleanor thatchya forget about men after a while, played Aunt Eller in the Original B'way production of "Oklahoma." (Oh, the inmate and the matron should be friends...)

[Steve Hayes]

LOL!!! Yes, Betty Garde. Great actress! She also was in a couple film noirs at around the same time, "Cry Of The City" and "Call Northside 777." Here's a story for you. A few years ago, a friend attended a screening of CAGED at the Egyptian theatre in Hollywood and Jan Sterling was there. When asked what she felt about Hope Emerson's character she said; " Well, we were all glad when Harper got forked!' Ha!

[SoCalGal52]

Thank you Steve. I love, love, love this movie. First saw it when in high school with my HS pals and never forgot it. It has stuck with me ever since (class of '70) and I refer to it and mention it to my friends that it is a must see. A cult classic for sure, and so ahead of it's time. The 3 main actresses are awesome, love Eleanor and Agnes anyway, and Hope Emerson, woowee! Ms. Parker is still living, just saw some recent photogs, she looks so good for her age. One of my top 10 favorite films.

[Steve Hayes]

Me too! I have to admit, I'm a sucker for an "all girl flick" and this one more than fills the bill. I especially love Gertrude Hoffman as Millie, the oldest inmate, who looks like somebody's grandmother who landed there by accident. I love her line: "What i wouldn't give for a sink full of dirty dishes."

[mistie2255]

Great recommendation! There was a so-bad-it's-good movie from the 1980s, Reform School Girls that borrows heavily from Caged. Love 'em both!

[Steve Hayes]

I remember loving the tag line from that movie:

"So Young. So Bad. SO WHAT!"

LOL!!!

Thanks for watching!

[jsnhndrx]

Eleanor Parker deserves an honorary Oscar!

[andrew chinn]

Your recomendations are spot on and your love of the films shine through. Please review Valley of the Dolls.

[Bestevus]

This movie was my introduction to the badass line, "Kindly omit flowers." Usually intended as a courteous line for obituaries, she delivers it after the murder. You go, honey.

[mmcreavy]

"Pile out you tramps!" I'll have to remember that line next time I go to the baths. And Steve, a tired old queen? I think not. More like a torrid old queen! Kiss, kiss, from another old queen.

[SweetJohnny27]

Steve Hayes, you make me love movies even more! And Johnny B is gorgeous.

[zanetierney]

have loved this movie for ages.....hope emerson is the most riotiously entertaining lesbian-like prison matron ever. have watched this several times...it never grows old!

[SoCalGal52]

I received the pictures from a person on Youtube who has an Eleanor Parker tribute. I'm not 100% sure but I think her moniker may be AvaRitaGrace. I may have saved them and if I can find the pics, how can I forward them to you?

[afr43210]

This is one of my all time favorite movies too. Where have you seen recent photos of Eleanor Parker? I've searched and could never find any. Would love to see them.

[milligoree]

Just watched this on your recommendation - OH MY GOD IT WAS SO SO GOOOOOOD. Ahem. Apologies for shouting. Thanks so much for all your videos!

[SoCalGal52]

And I'm a sucker for prison movies. There was a really good made for TV movie in the '70's called "Women in Chains" with Lois Nettleton as a parole officer who puts herself in prison to see how the conditions are. Ida Lupino plays the mean and sadistic prison warden, also co-stars Jessica Walter. I won't give away the plot, but it has some great twists and turns. One of my favorite prison movies, and this has also stood out to me over the years. Would love to see it again.