Stars: Robert Redford, Yaphet Kotto, David Keith, Murray Hamilton
Above-average prison yarn with Redford as the new Warden battling the corrupt prison board, while attempting to improve the prisoner's lives. The first 30 minutes are a shocking display of Prison rape, torture, corruption, and sadism. It makes Cool Hand Luke look like a boy's summer camp. The high-point occurs when Redford revels he's not a prisoner - but the new Warden - and is taking names and kicking butt. Unfortunately, the movie soon devolves into the standard "liberal reformer fighting the Corrupt System" trope. It ends with a ludicrous gun battle and Redford shooting people in the city street. The prison environment looks realistic - with Ohio standing in for Arkansas.
Acting
Redford does fine, although some of his "I'm taking this all in" reaction shots as an undercover prisoner are unintentionally funny. The supporting cast is much better, and quite believable in their parts. Hamilton replays the corrupt businessman - ala Jaws.
Best Scene
Redford talks Morgan Freeman out of killing David Keith, and revels he's not a prisoner, but the new Warden.
Worst Scene
Redford blows away a corrupt Trustee with a shot-gun blast. All that's missing is an "Hasta la vista, Baby"
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