A riot in a state prison is staged to cover up an escape attempt, during which many inmates and guards are killed. Shot on location at Arizona State Prison.
Acting
Young Hackman's simmering intensity steals every scene
Production
Real prison location gives uncomfortable documentary edge
Director
Buzz Kulik
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Filmed at Arizona State Prison with hundreds of real inmates as extras—some had never acted before, others were serving life sentences.
Jim Brown, already retired from football, was at peak physical condition and insisted on doing his own stunts. The warden reportedly kept a loaded gun nearby during filming.
US
