"Ellis Island" was the last picture to be released by the Invincible end of the Chesterfield-Invincible combine, perhaps the greatest producers of B-movies in the 30's (and whose name, as you can see, lives on in mine). The first three-quarters of the film are typical Chesterfield: dim lighting, few retakes (look for some actors to steal glimpses at the camera), and scenes shot on claustrophobic, indoor sets. Then for the climax, the film suddenly shifts outdoors, like a breath of fresh air. This to me is the exact opposite of what happened in the Italian classic "Shoeshine" to be made a decade later. Yes, the film's title might disappoint those who were expecting a rags-to-riches immigrant's tale. But no Chesterfield fan should be without this one. And if you are one of those who are just beginning to discover the wonderfully entertaining canon of Chesterfield-Invincible, "Ellis Island" is one of the films to start with. Enjoy!
Review of Ellis Island
