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Murder In The First Details

1994 Certificate 15
  • Rated:
  • 70
  • from 3324 members

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 beaten continuously. He emerges from this hellhole three years .. Read more

Starring Christian Slater, Kevin Bacon, Gary Oldman, Embeth Davidtz
Director Marc Rocco
Genres Drama

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Murder In The First

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 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.

Starring Christian Slater, Kevin Bacon, Gary Oldman, Embeth Davidtz, Brad Dourif, William H. Macy, R. Lee Ermey
Director Marc Rocco
Studio CINEMA CLUB
Run time DVD: 1 hr 57 mins
Certificate Certificate 15
Genres Drama
Language DVD: English
Released DVD: 19 Jul 2004
Production year: 1994
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews (3) of Murder In The First

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  • 4 stars out of 5

    Digging deep into his physical and emotional resources, Kevin Bacon gives the performance of his career in this sensational assault on the prison system. Based on the actual experiences of Henri Young, Marc Rocco's uncompromising picture alternates between Alcatraz and a forbidding courtroom, as lawyer Christian Slater tries to pin Bacon's murder of a fellow inmate on the regime that maltreated him to the verge of madness. A little over-intense at times, this is essentially a showcase for its two leads, although Gary Oldman is terrifyingly sinister as the particularly nasty Warden Glenn and R Lee Ermey wonderfully mannered as the no-nonsense judge. Exhausting, but enthralling.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006
  • 1 stars out of 4

    Effective and powerful courtroom drama, with some good performances; yet right and wrong are so clearly delineated from the opening scenes that there is no tension, apart from that supplied by the nervy camerawork.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
    • Posted 02 Mar 2006

  • Most helpful member's review of Murder In The First

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  • 11 out of 13 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    intolerable cruelty

    Imagine being sent to prison for over 20 years for stealing $5. Sounds like something from the convict days, doesn't it.. Now imagine spending 4 years in the dark, in solitary confinement...

    This is the story of Henry Young, who suffered just such a fate, and of the young, idealistic, public defender who is given his case. Christian Slater and Kevin Bacon shine bright, with brilliant performances and blatant passion for the story. Gary Oldman is, as always, outstanding in his supporting role as the Assistant Warden of Alcatraz.

    Brilliant courtroom sequences, thoroughly engaging performances and a strong sense of justice. See it, if only to see Kevin Bacon getting incredible distance from his 'pretty-boy roles'...

      • Seadragon from Saffron Walden
      • Posted 04 Nov 2004 08:45

  • Most recent members' review of Murder In The First

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  • 1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    Shocking but true!! Unmissable

    This film is based on a true story and it beggars belief the type of treatment certain prisoners suffered at the hands of prison guards at Alcatraz before it was closed down.Yes, criminals should be punished but the punishment should fit the crime. Although this is not only a very shocking and upsetting film - it is well worth sticking with it. One of the most realistic and believable portrayals of victimization at the hands of a sadistic man who shows a 'holier than thou' persona to the outside world. Kevin Bacon/Christian Slater/Gary Oldman all excel and really get under the skin of their characters. Sad/shocking but will keep you watching right to the very end... and then haunt you long afterwards.

      • A customer from London
      • Posted 19 Feb 2008 18:25

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Rating breakdown

3,324 Member ratings
  • 100
448
  • 90
371
  • 80
850
  • 70
670
  • 60
520
  • 50
228
  • 40
108
  • 30
61
  • 20
48
  • 10
20

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      • 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 ...