Is State Penitentiary Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, State Penitentiary is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 66 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
State Penitentiary Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1950, State Penitentiary enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on A man wrongly accused of a crime must decide between getting involved in a prison break, or remaining in jail until his wife can prove his innocence. Under the direction of Lew Landers, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Warner Baxter, Onslow Stevens, Karin Booth. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, State Penitentiary offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, State Penitentiary is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6.5/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Drama, Adventure, Crime, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of State Penitentiary
- Warner Baxter – Rodger Manners
- Onslow Stevens – Richard Evans
- Karin Booth – Shirley Manners
- Robert Shayne – Stanley Brown
- Richard Benedict – Mike Gavin
Top Highlights
Warner BaxterRodger Manners
Onslow StevensRichard Evans
Karin BoothShirley Manners
Robert ShayneStanley Brown
Richard BenedictMike Gavin
Brett KingAl 'Kid' Beaumont
John BleiferJailbreak Jimmy
Leo ClearyWarden-Narrator
Rick VallinTom
William FawcettCostello, a Prisoner
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.5/10, and global collection metrics, State Penitentiary stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1950 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is State Penitentiary movie hit or flop?
State Penitentiary has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is State Penitentiary worth watching?
State Penitentiary is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Adventure, Crime movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is State Penitentiary?
State Penitentiary is a Drama, Adventure, Crime movie that A man wrongly accused of a crime must decide between getting involved in a prison break, or remaining in jail until his wife can prove his innocence....
