A young guard and a college professor convicted of manslaughter both start their first day in prison.A young guard and a college professor convicted of manslaughter both start their first day in prison.A young guard and a college professor convicted of manslaughter both start their first day in prison.
- Won 1 Primetime Emmy
- 2 wins & 4 nominations total
Edward Michael Bell
- Sinclair
- (as Edward Bell)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAlan Alda on his autobiography "Never Have Your Dog Stuffed - and Other Things I've Learned" claims that this movie was shot in real prison with real prisoners as extras. During the filming of the movie, its director Tom Gries made jokes with prisoners that they should take Alan Alda as their hostage because that is the only way they can escape from prison. On the last day of shooting, two prisoners approached Alda and put an improvised knife on his throat telling him that he is their hostage. Luckily prison guard arrived shortly after and carefully negotiated with prisoners to let Alan Alda go. They let him loose telling him that they were just joking. Alda also states that no prisoner was punished for the incident.
- GoofsThe word 'fictitious' is misspelled as 'ficticious' during the opening disclaimer.
- Crazy credits[prologue] "This motion picture was filmed entirely in a state prison. Most of the faces and voices are those of actual prisoners. The story and characters are fictitious, but the situations are real".
- ConnectionsFeatured in The 24th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1972)
Featured review
Real Life Prison Scenes
For its time and up until now, this remained one of the most shocking movies to be released and what makes it even more compelling is that what you are seeing is not only true, but even watered down a little. If you know nothing about prison, this is one of the few movies out there that really tells it like it is. What people do not realize when they go into prison that the existing powers at work do not operate independently but collaterally. It is one big game designed to get you or your money. Killing you doesn't profit anyone, but using you does and this movie portrays those stark realities. Most men who frequent prison believe they can take care of themselves and for the most part it is true. However, they also find out that they may be up against groups of people and when attacked makes it very hard to defend ones self. Thus the drama and suspense that builds up in this movie and then explodes in your face. How can you fight everyone? Fear will visit you if you even entertain for a moment...what would I do in those circumstances...Very chilling and sobering thought and a great movie to show certain kids as a deterrent. Recommend finger foods to fight off the urge to bite your nails. Easy on the caffeine and sugar as you will already be fidgeting pretty much...Oh and enjoy your self
helpful•50
- Richie-67-485852
- Jan 18, 2012
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