The Prisoner of Shark Island main backdrop
The Prisoner of Shark Island main poster

The Prisoner of Shark Island

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6.8/10 • 52

1936-02-281h 33m

DramaHistory

Based on the life story of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd

After healing the leg of the murderer John Wilkes Booth, responsible for the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, perpetrated on April 14, 1865, during a performance at Ford's Theatre in Washington; Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, considered part of the atrocious conspiracy, is sentenced to life imprisonment and sent to the sinister Shark Island Prison.

Directors
John Ford
Editors
Jack Murray

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Warner Baxter

    Warner Baxter

    Dr. Samuel Alexander Mudd

  2. Gloria Stuart

    Gloria Stuart

    Mrs. Peggy Mudd

  3. Claude Gillingwater

    Claude Gillingwater

    Colonel Dyer

  4. Arthur Byron

    Arthur Byron

    Mr. Erickson

  5. O. P. Heggie

    O. P. Heggie

    Dr. Mac Intyre

  6. Harry Carey

    Harry Carey

    Commandant

  7. Francis Ford

    Francis Ford

    Corporal O'Toole

  8. John McGuire

    John McGuire

    Lieutenant Lovett

  9. Francis McDonald

    Francis McDonald

    John Wilkes Booth

Reviews1

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Steve Avatar

Steve

Jan 9, 2022

8/10

Don't know how I missed this one but it's a great thriller. From the title you'd never guess it's an historical drama about Dr. Samuel Mudd who infamously helped set Lincoln's killer's broken leg. The history goes from suspect to flat out wrong -- and it's almost pro-slavery -- but if you can look past that it's a hell of a tall tale. Warner Baxter is put through the ringer and he does very well in this a very physical role -- much more entertaining that his smiling lover roles he usually did. Also a standout is the lean, terrifying John Carridine. Not to be forgotten is some thrilling scenes in the prison. And, yes, there are sharks!

Media

  • The Prisoner of Shark Island poster
  • The Prisoner of Shark Island poster
  • The Prisoner of Shark Island poster
  • The Prisoner of Shark Island poster
  • The Prisoner of Shark Island poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
yellow feverbased on true storyhistorical figureconspiracyphysicianisland prison19th centuryabraham lincolncountry doctorprison break attempt