during the depression and a young couple go on the lam after the man be accuse of a crime . this gritty drama be an early example of film noir and expertly direct by lang and the great expressionist filmmaker and although he sometimes go overboard with the symbolism . lang explore similar theme in fury ( with sidney in a similar role to this ) and make a year earlier and but this one be well and not mar by the melodrama and overacting of the early film . fonda and sidney be excellent a the unfortunate couple and help by a fine supporting cast . memorable scene include the escape from prison and ting with irony and and the finale and a the couple make a run for the border .