There's an incredible backstory to the production of Riot in Cell Block 11. It was filmed in Folsom Prison using real inmates as extras, and both the producer and one of the lead actors had actually been in prison earlier in their lives (not for homework to immerse themselves in the story). I'd never heard of the film before, but I'm always interested in watching an old prison movie; they're guaranteed to be less gruesome than modern ones. However, I wasn't quite prepared for the bleak tone of this movie. It might not have been gruesome, but it was violent and at times, very disturbing.
I liked Emile Meyer's interpretation of his character, the warden. He was gentle and soft spoken, so you could understand why his previous requests to reform the prison hadn't been met yet. Frank Faylen, a politician, is much firmer and colder, and you can imagine them going toe to toe in the negotiation room: Emile wouldn't put up too much of a fight. The key prisoners had different personalities, too. Neville Brand didn't want a violent rebellion, but just wanted his cause to get publicity and popular opinion behind it. Leo Gordon, on the other hand, had a hair-trigger temper and wouldn't care if he killed all the guards in the prison. Robert Osterloh didn't want any part of the riot, but he was the only one articulate enough to write the prisoners' demands.
If you like prison-break movies, definitely rent this one. Don't be put off by the black-and-white footage if that's not normally your style. It's highly dramatic, captivating, and has a definite message to put across. You get involved with the warden, the politicians, the guards (including film-prison-break veteran Whit Bissell), and the prisoners. And when you're done, be sure and read the background of the actors!
I liked Emile Meyer's interpretation of his character, the warden. He was gentle and soft spoken, so you could understand why his previous requests to reform the prison hadn't been met yet. Frank Faylen, a politician, is much firmer and colder, and you can imagine them going toe to toe in the negotiation room: Emile wouldn't put up too much of a fight. The key prisoners had different personalities, too. Neville Brand didn't want a violent rebellion, but just wanted his cause to get publicity and popular opinion behind it. Leo Gordon, on the other hand, had a hair-trigger temper and wouldn't care if he killed all the guards in the prison. Robert Osterloh didn't want any part of the riot, but he was the only one articulate enough to write the prisoners' demands.
If you like prison-break movies, definitely rent this one. Don't be put off by the black-and-white footage if that's not normally your style. It's highly dramatic, captivating, and has a definite message to put across. You get involved with the warden, the politicians, the guards (including film-prison-break veteran Whit Bissell), and the prisoners. And when you're done, be sure and read the background of the actors!