Forbidden Passage (1941): cast, story & where to watch
1941 · Film · ★ 6.3

Released in 1941, Forbidden Passage is a drama and crime film directed by Fred Zinnemann, running about 21 minutes. “Another thrilling CRIME DOES NOT PAY Subject” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. This MGM Crime Does Not Pay series short looks at the U.S. Department of Immigration's efforts to halt the smuggling of illegal aliens into the country. Desperate immigrants, tired of waiting for legal entry, pay exorbitant fees and risk a grisly death to enter by illegal means.
Who’s in it. Forbidden Passage stars Addison Richards as Frank J. Maxwell, Wolfgang Zilzer as Otto Kestler, Hugh Beaumont as Clements and George Lessey as American Consul in Lisbon, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.3/10, Forbidden Passage has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Forbidden Passage page.
If you liked it. Fans of Forbidden Passage tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Forbidden Passage (1941)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Forbidden Passage change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Forbidden Passage worth watching?
- Forbidden Passage holds an audience score of 6.3 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and crime. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Forbidden Passage?
- Forbidden Passage stars Addison Richards, Wolfgang Zilzer, Hugh Beaumont, George Lessey and George Cleveland.
- When was Forbidden Passage released?
- Forbidden Passage was released in 1941, with a runtime of about 21 minutes.
