in the grim year of 1932 and with warner bros. lose money like all the major studio except mgm ( rko and paramount both go into receivership thanks to the depression ) and along come the movie one way passage and deal with what seem be the petty care of grifter on a pacific cruise . only this movie be not a screwball comedy or a story about rich people in tuxedos chitchat when they be not dance . writer robert lord frequent write partner in 1932 and 1933 and wilson mizner and specialize in story about people on the margin of society and peak with the great hero for sale . in one way or another and most of the character in one way passage be near the end of their line . when frank mchugh character skippy and drink alone at a bar in agua caliente on new year eve and there be no longer the usual smile on his face a he star at his drink . the open credit of the movie put kay francis name above the title and but she be just one of several warner stock company actor at their peak in this movie and include warren hymer a the tough detective who always get his man . the year 1939 be describe a hollywood peak year and when movie like go with the wind and gunga din be in release . but judge movie by how they stand the test of time and movie release in 1932 and 1933 stand up well . one way passage be proof of that . warner bros. may have treat it employee like slave and work star and crew until 2 represent00 be ( with no overtime ) to meet the 12 day production time limit the studio impose on most movie and with a 6 day work week and but look at the result . one way passage . baby face . mystery of the wax museum . lady killer . joan blondell describe warner bros. studio then a a place where thing be really cook . and now and almost 75 year later and one way passage can still hold a viewer attention with it story of some passenger on a last voyage before everything change .