Year: 1930
Runtime: 70 mins
Language: English
Director: Basil Dean
Wrongly convicted of manslaughter, Matt Denant (Gerald de Maurier) seizes a chance to break out of jail on a fog‑shrouded morning. On the run, he must depend on the kindness and assistance of the surrounding community as he struggles to stay ahead of the law.
Get a spoiler-free look at Escape! (1930) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In mist‑laden Devon, a remote prison looms over a landscape where the cliffs meet the sea and fog rolls in like a living veil. The story opens with a man who, despite a solemn conviction, is given a fleeting chance to step beyond the stone walls on a gray‑washed morning. The atmosphere is thick with quiet tension, the kind that makes every rustle of wind feel like a whispered secret, and the world feels both austere and oddly intimate, as if the countryside itself watches every footfall.
Matt Denant is a former army officer whose bearing carries the dignity of a bygone era. He moves through the world with a blend of polished restraint and an innate empathy that makes him attuned to the plight of those around him, from the genteel to the downtrodden. Though the law has marked him, his inner compass points toward honor and compassion, creating a subtle conflict between the rigid structures of authority and the personal code he clings to.
As he slips into the open, the narrative drifts through villages and country lanes where kindness flickers like candlelight in the mist. Strangers—women with quiet strength, a gentleman with a knowing smile, a parish priest who offers more than prayers—each become a thread in the fragile tapestry that cushions his flight. Their assistance is less about grand heroics and more about simple, human generosity, hinting at a community that, when confronted with an unexpected guest, can reveal unexpected layers of loyalty.
The film swirls with a lingering sense of moral ambiguity, balanced by a gentle, almost lyrical tone that never loses its edge. It asks what it means to be a “fine” and “loyal” soul when the world presses you into corners, and whether the quiet acts of compassion can outshine the clamor of the law.
Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:21
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories of principled outlaws on the run, finding humanity in unexpected places.If you enjoyed the journey of the principled fugitive in Escape!, you'll find similar stories here. These movies focus on characters on the run who maintain their honor, exploring themes of wrongful accusation, survival, and the small acts of humanity encountered along a melancholic path to a bittersweet end.
These stories typically follow a linear, chronological path as the protagonist moves from one location or encounter to the next. The plot is driven by the constant threat of capture, but the emotional core lies in the interactions with a supporting cast of everyday people. The narrative arc often builds towards a climax where the protagonist must make a significant moral choice, sacrificing personal freedom for a greater principle or to protect others.
Movies are grouped here based on their shared focus on a dignified protagonist in a desperate situation, a steady pacing that allows for character reflection, and a consistently melancholic tone that finds poignancy in small human connections rather than large-scale action.
Character-driven stories where societal critique meets a poignant, reflective ending.Explore more movies like Escape! that blend personal struggle with social commentary. These films share a steady, melancholic pace and a bittersweet emotional payoff, focusing on characters who navigate systemic injustices with quiet dignity and resilience.
Narratives in this thread are often straightforward, using a clear central conflict to explore wider societal themes. The protagonist's journey serves as a lens through which the audience examines issues like class disparity or institutional failure. The story builds emotional weight not through high-stakes action but through the accumulation of small, meaningful interactions and the protagonist's reflective response to their circumstances, culminating in an ending that acknowledges loss but also finds value in moral integrity.
These movies are connected by their shared melancholic tone, steady pacing, and a focus on social themes explored through a personal, intimate lens. They deliver a medium emotional weight and consistently conclude with a bittersweet feeling that resonates after the credits roll.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Escape! in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Escape! is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Escape!, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Escape! with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Escape!. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Escape!: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Escape! that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Escape! (1930) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
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