Don't listen to the negative reviews

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

Just intense enough to provide a much-needed diversion, just lightweight enough to make you forget about it soon after it’s over. It’s not exactly “good,” per se, but it does what it sets out to do in terms of putting us on edge, which makes it … successful?

Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies

Pretty much a shot-for-shot remake of Public Hero #1. Because of this and the fact that it's more polished than the earlier film, this one's not as good. It's watchable but ultimately forgettable. The only thing noteworthy about it is that it's the film debut of Donna Reed. She's beautiful and the best part of the movie. Dan Dailey and Robert Sterling are bland. Charles Winninger and Henry O'Neill are enjoyable in supporting roles. If you haven't seen the original, you're likely to enjoy this one far more. I would caution you against reading too much about either film because there's a twist in the plot that is best left unspoiled. Chances are you've already been spoiled since all plot summaries, including TCM's, give it away. Still, I've left the plot out of my review just in case.

Viewers will recognize The Getaway as a remake of another MGM B picture, Public Hero #1. But another film along similar lines was so much better, that being White Heat.Still there's no shame in being associated with being with this solid B action film. Robert Sterling plays a youthful FBI agent who goes undercover in prison to arrange an escape for mobster Dan Dailey who heads the infamous River Gang the FBI wants to nail. Sterling is to infiltrate and find the gang's hideout.Dailey has the Cody Jarrett role here and while he's not nuts with a mother complex like James Cagney was, he's got some issues. But he's also shrewd and paranoid which is always a deadly combination. Dailey steals this film.The Getaway was also the film debut of Donna Reed who plays Dan Dailey's sister who unlike Cody Jarrett's mother is seriously trying to reform him. Sterling takes a liking to here. There's also Charles Winninger a doctor with a thirst problem who I wouldn't let near me with a scalpel. Winninger has an interesting way of collecting his fees.Good action film with a nice climactic shootout.

Anyone else realize that this is almost a shot-for-shot remake of "Public Hero #1" staring Jean Arthur and Chester Morris (1935)? With Lionel Barrymore playing the doctor and Joseph Calleia playing Sonny.It also appears the same screenplay was used for both pictures as the writing credits overlap. Different directors thoughPublic Hero #1 (1935) : Directed by J. Walter Ruben. Writing credits: J. Walter Ruben story, Wells Root story, Wells Root screenplayThe Get-Away (1941) : Directed by Edward Buzzell , Richard Rosson (uncredited). Writing credits: W.R. Burnett screenplay, Wells Root screenplay, Wells Root story, J. Walter Ruben storyHaving seen both pictures, I think the 1935 Jean Arthur/Chester Morris effort is the better of the two. Anyone who likes "The Get-Away' should checkout "Public Hero #1".

This is a good little crime movie that is often overlooked. It is not even rated in the Maltin book. But, if you enjoy movies with a nice simple plot about prisons, break-outs, federal agents chasing crime gangs, sister trying to save wayward brother, etc. you will like this film. Robert Sterling does a fine job and interacts well with Dan Dailey and Donna Reed. Dailey's role is that of a hard and tough criminal who resists all efforts to go straight. Donna Reed, as his long suffering sister does her best to reform him. There's a great shoot-out scene that will please action fans and the final ending is handled very well and contains real suspense.