Directed by:
Robert AldrichScreenplay:
Tracy Keenan WynnCinematography:
Joseph F. BirocComposer:
Frank De VolCast:
Burt Reynolds, Eddie Albert, Ed Lauter, Michael Conrad, James Hampton, Harry Caesar, Charles Tyner, Mike Henry, Bernadette Peters, Anitra Ford, Richard Kiel (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
Eddie Albert is the sadistic warden who'll gladly make any sacrifice to push his guards' semi-pro football team to the national championship. Burt Reynolds plays one-time pro quarterback Paul Crewe, now behind bars for leading State Police on a wild chase in a "borrowed car" and more. He agrees to organize a prisoners' team to play the guards. The warden intercedes to assure that his goon squad will meet only passive resistance from Crewe's "Mean Machine." But the license to pound on their hated guards is a big incentive for murderers and thieves to learn strategy. (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (1)
I was unpleasantly surprised by how wooden the acting was in some scenes. At times, it seemed as if actors were called out to recite their lines in front of the camera. It felt quite awkward. When I add that I don't like American football, you can tell it's not a movie for me. I'm not exactly a fan of prison movies either; the pattern is clear - prisons must be run by a cunning and sadistic warden, the main character must either be falsely accused or convicted of a crime that doesn't bother the viewer too much and then it goes as follows: bullying - the death of a close friend/fellow inmate - resistance against a corrupt system - moral victory. Well, within these confines, I can root for the main character, but it clashes with real life. Bastards who commit the atrocities that happen on a daily basis should experience being in a facility where life is more about survival than a hotel stay. In my opinion, prison should be a punishment that would make ex-convicts afraid to go back. / Lesson learned: Don't turn the other cheek; use brass knuckles instead.
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Gallery (39)
Photo © Paramount Pictures
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