Ladies of the Big House (1931)

On their wedding day, Kathleen and Standish McNeil are followed home by wanted murdered Kid Athens and Policeman Martin French, who needs Kathleen as a witness. Athens shoots French and tosses a gun engraved with 'with love' next to French's body. This sets up Kathleen (once a moll for Athens) and Standish as the murderers. Eager Assistant Attorney John Hartman, who works for Athens, manipulates the jury to a guilty verdict. Standish (Mac) is sent to death row and Kathleen to a violent Woman's Prison. She's befriended by Ivory and Maria, but is viciously treated by inmate Susie Thompson, Athens' former moll before Kathleen. Kathleen discovers that her appeal has been denied and decides to escape with pregnant inmate Maria. Kathleen is allowed a visit with Mac (Standish) and tells him of her plan to escape and tell the world of their innocence. Maria is shot while trying to cut the fence. Kathleen's getaway boat is smashed and she's recaptured.