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Cool Hand Luke
Stuart Rosenberg
(1967)
121min
15 Certificate
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Review
Our Score
by
Tony Sloman
Chiming perfectly with the Summer of Love in which it was released, this subtle blend of acknowledging the needs of the individual and respecting a freedom of spirit was one of the key American films of the 1960s. It's basically an old-fashioned chain-gang movie - not much had changed at Warner Bros since the days of Paul Muni's
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang
- except that this time the tale is told in stunning Technicolor. Paul Newman is superb in the Muni role, and both the prologue and the egg-eating scene have become screen classics. The religious symbolism does get a little tiresome, but the movie is clearly the career high point of director Stuart Rosenberg and a real credit to Jack Lemmon's production company. The film was also influential in the massive popularity of Raybans!
Summary
A rebellious small-time crook is sent to a prison in the Deep South, where he becomes a hero in the eyes of his fellow convicts and a thorn in the sides of the warden and the guards by refusing to bow to authority. His defiance escalates when he receives news of his mother's death, and embarks on a series of failed escape attempts. Drama based on Donn Pearce's novel, starring Paul Newman, George Kennedy, JD Cannon and Dennis Hopper.
Cast & Crew
Luke Jackson
Paul Newman
Dragline
George Kennedy
Society Red
JD Cannon
Babalugats
Dennis Hopper
Tramp
Harry Dean Stanton
Captain
Strother Martin
Gambler
Wayne Rogers
Koko
Lou Antonio
Loudmouth Steve
Robert Drivas
Director
Stuart Rosenberg
see more
Other Information
Language:
English
Colour
Theatrical distributor:
Warner Pathe Ltd
Guidance:
Some violence, brief nudity.
Available on:
video, DVD and Blu-ray
Drama
Full Episode Guide
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