Murder in the First (1994)
Runtime: 2 hrs 3 mins
Synopsis: The true story of Henri Young, a 1930's convict who has been sent to prison for stealing five dollars. But when Young and others attempt to escape, they are caught. As punishment, a naked and wet Young is thrown into a dark, damp, rat-infested cell, where he is his beaten continuously. He emerges... The true story of Henri Young, a 1930's convict who has been sent to prison for stealing five dollars. But when Young and others attempt to escape, they are caught. As punishment, a naked and wet Young is thrown into a dark, damp, rat-infested cell, where he is his beaten continuously. He emerges from this hellhole three years later a virtual madman -- and promptly kills the inmate who snitched about the escape attempt. Now facing a charge of murder in the first degree, Young is defended by inexperienced go-getter James Stamphill. Although the cards are stacked high against him, the lawyer makes Young plead innocent. Stamphill's plan: to put Alcatraz, and the whole prison system on trial, as both institutions have turned his client into a homicidal maniac. [More]
Genre: Dramas
Starring: Christian Slater, Kevin Bacon, Gary Oldman, Embeth Davidtz, Brad Dourif
DVD Info
Release:
Jun 22, 1999
DVD Features:
- Region 1
- Snap Case
- Pan & Scan - 1.33
- Widescreen
Audio:
- Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround - English
- Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround - French
Interactive Features:
- Interactive Menus
- Scene Access
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Reviews
It is Bacon's absolutely powerhouse performance that helps make 'Murder' one of the classic prison pictures of all time. (published 1-27-95)
O roteiro maniqueísta e a direção pesada, nada sutil, de Rocco comprometem irremediavelmente o filme – que ainda conta com a atuação nada convincente de Slater.
An arbitrary by-the-numbers courtroom/crime yarn that sometimes shifts between being too preachy and pretentious.
The figures are right, the investment looks good, but the emotional pay-off is minimal.


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