Fury (1936 film)

Fury is a 1936 American social problem film directed by Fritz Lang and starring Spencer Tracy and Sylvia Sidney. The film is based on the 1933 novel Mob Rule by Norman Krasna.

The film tells the story of Joe Wheeler (Tracy), an innocent man wrongly accused of kidnapping a child. He is arrested and held in jail awaiting trial. While he is incarcerated, a lynch mob gathers, and the authorities are unable to control the increasingly violent crowd. The jail is stormed and set on fire, and everyone believes Joe has died in the blaze.

However, Joe survives the attack. Bitter and consumed by vengeance, he secretly engineers a plan to bring his would-be murderers to justice. He allows everyone to believe he is dead, and with the help of his brothers, he anonymously funds the prosecution of the individuals involved in the lynching.

The trial becomes a key focus of the film, exploring themes of mob mentality, justice, and the corrupting influence of revenge. The prosecution presents evidence of the mob's actions, leading to the conviction of several individuals.

Ultimately, Joe is confronted with the moral implications of his actions and the destructive nature of his own desire for revenge. He reveals himself to be alive, leading to a dramatic conclusion where he must reconcile with his fiancée, Katherine Grant (Sidney), and confront the consequences of his choices.

Fury is notable for its stark depiction of mob violence and its exploration of complex themes of justice and revenge. It is considered a significant early example of Lang's American period and is praised for its powerful performances and social commentary. The film received Academy Award nominations for Best Writing, Original Story.