

Up the River
Synopsis
A group of prison inmates pass the time playing football and romancing ladies in this prison escape crime musical screwball comedy that was apparently a wacky spoof of the crime movies that were so popular in the 1930s. It seems to be completely forgotten today, except by major film buffs.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Preston Foster
'Chipper' Morgan
Tony Martin
Tommy Grant
Phyllis Brooks
Helen Lindsay
Slim Summerville
Slim Nelson
Arthur Treacher
Darby Randall
Eddie Collins
Fisheye Conroy
Jane Darwell
Mrs. Graham
Sidney Toler
Jeffrey Mitchell
Bill Robinson
Memphis Jones
Edward Gargan
Tiny
Dorothy Dearing
Martha Graham
Charles D. Brown
Warden Harris
Release History & Theatrical Window
December 9, 1938
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Alfred L. Werker
- Screenplay & Story
- John Patrick, Lou Breslow
- Original Score
- Samuel Kaylin
- Original Title
- Up the River
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 15m
- Production Studios
- 20th Century Fox
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Alfred L. Werker
John Patrick, Lou Breslow, Maurine Dallas Watkins
Samuel Kaylin
Sol M. Wurtzel
Department Leadership Roster
Alfred L. Werker
Director
Sol M. Wurtzel
Producer
Helen A. Myron
Costume Design
Sophie Wachner
Costume Design
John Patrick
Screenplay
Lou Breslow
Screenplay
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Up the River.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About Up the River
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Up the River about?
A group of prison inmates pass the time playing football and romancing ladies in this prison escape crime musical screwball comedy that was apparently a wacky spoof of the crime movies that were so popular in the 1930s. It seems to be completely forgotten today, except by major film buffs.
Who directed Up the River?
Up the River was directed by Alfred L. Werker.
Who stars in Up the River?
The principal cast of Up the River includes Preston Foster, Tony Martin, Phyllis Brooks, Slim Summerville, Arthur Treacher.
When was Up the River released and how long is it?
Up the River was released in 1938 with a total runtime of 1h 15m.
Who composed the musical score for Up the River?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Up the River was composed by Samuel Kaylin.


















