♪♪[ Dramatic ]
[ Man Announcing ] A wave of riots has swept U.S. prisons.
Within 20 months, riots have occurred in 35 states.
It began in Trenton, New Jersey...
moved quickly to Jackson, Miichigan.
Here at Michigan Penitentiary for five days...
the world's largest walled prison ls torn to piieces by maddened convicts...
who destroy everything they can put their hands on.
Damage is estimated at $2 1/2 million.
Then, in Pennsylvania, inmates seize...
five guards as hostages ln Western State Peniitentlary.
Damage runs high, as we can see...
in this view inside one of the wrecked cell blocks.
At almost the same time...
231 convicts carry out a similar rebellion...
in Rahway, New Jersey, at the state prison farm.
Here, bed sheets, scrawled wiith slogans...
are hung from broken windows.
The convicts hold out for 4 1/2 days...
before submitting to authority.
ln Menard Prison at Chester, lllinois...
state police are called.
Ten guards are held as hostages...
three of them by prisoners in the psychlatriic diivision.
Here, the inmates lnsist on speaking...
only to the governor about their grlevances.
These riots, costing millions...
and millions of taxpayer dollars...
have aroused great publiic interest.
[ Announcer ] Mr. McGee, what, in your oplniion...
is the reason these riots occur?
I would like to paraphrase the report of the American Prison Association...
on riots and the r causes.
The recent widespread occurrence of prison riots...
is almost always the direct result...
of the shortsighted neglect of our penal institutions...
amounting to almost criminal negligence.
Who is responsible for this negligence?
Public leaders, such as governors. Iegislators and others...
who must share the responsibility for prisons...
as well as for other branches of government.
And that neglect includes the public?
Yes, indeed. In the final analysis. especially the public.
One final question.
Do you look to further riots in the future?
I abhor riot and disorder...
but until something is done to correct the situation...
we will not see the end of prison troubles.
Thank you, Mr. McGee.
All over America, prison officials wonder...
''Where will the next riot occur?''
[ Buzzer Sounds ]
- Mac, you ever been in the punishment block? - No.
Keep your nose clean, or we' I eave you in there.
♪♪ [ Swing Jazz ]
♪♪ [ Continues ]
Well, how's it doing after a couple of weeks?
I ike it. Sti I can't he p but feel ng sorry for these guys, though.
You'II get over it.
Okay with the crosses.
What's so different about these guys?
[ Man ] X marks the wild animal.
Must be Thursday.
Hey, you gonna feed or ain't you?
[ Man ] You know what you can do with that garbage?
Take it.
[ Man Over P.A. ] This ls Honest Hal, folks, bringing you...
the greatest value in used cars.
We're actually giving these cars away.
[ Man ] Hal lf l'd have knew that, I wouldn't be here.
[ Men Laughing ]
[ Honest Hal ] Now, l want you to rush right down here to 2730 Main Street-
Get that? 2730 Main Street- right away.
-[ Man ] l'm a-comin: boss.! -[ Honest Hal ] Now, don't wait.
The right car for the right priice for you.
Thanks.
♪♪ [ Ballad ]
[ Woman ] ♪Ask me if it's true ♪
- ♪ Am I in love -♪ - I got to find out about my kid.
- Put it in writing to the warden. - But -
♪ Can't you see the answer ♪
- ♪ ln my eyes ♪ - Colonel?
- Yeah, Frank?
You're up for parole consideration, aren't you?
- That's right. - Do me a favor.
When you get out, find out if my little girl's st II s ck.
Well, I'm not out yet.
I gotta find out. I ain't heard in almost two months.
- Your wife will write you. _ Naw, she won't write.
That's the reason I'm in here.
I thought I told you to take that bush off.
Yes, sir.
♪♪[ Continues, lndistinct ]
Uh, 63.
Gotcha.
[ Buzzer Sounding ]
- Barrett speaking. - Block 1 1, 238.
Hold t a minute.
[ Buzzing Resumes ]
- Go ahead. - Block 1 1, 238.
Eleven, 238.
Okay, you're in.
- Barrett. Go ahead. -[ Man ] Block 4, 637.
Four block, 637. Okay, you're in.
[ Buzzing ]
- Go ahead, 5. -[ Man ] Block 5, 433.
Five. 433. Okay, you're in.
[ Man ] ''O Lord, God of my salvatiion...
I have cried day and night before thee.
Let my prayer come before thee.
Incline thine ear unto my cry...
for my soul is full of troubles...
and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.
I am counted with them that go down into the p t.
I am as a man that hath no strength. free among the dead...
like the slain that lie in the grave...
whom thou rememberest no more...
and they are cut off from thy hand.
Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit...
in darkness, in the deeps. ''
[ Man Screams ]
-[ Man #2 ] Dummy up, will ya? _[ Man #3 ] Knock it off.!
- [ Man #4 ] Somebody slug that creepl - Mother?
Mother?
Monroe!
Monroe, 48!
Yeah?
What do you want, Schuyler?
They're moving me to a new block tomorrow, and I got a present for Gator.
Would you give it to him now?
Yeah, sure.
[ Groan ng ]
[ Monroe Groaning ]
- How'd you make it? - I got Monroe.
Good. Now for the others. There's only four screws tonight.
- We got to grab 'em all. - Snader's mine.
No cuttin', Carnie. We're gonna keep 'em alive. That's my plan.
[ Whispering ] Snader.
[ Groans ]
Open your trap, and we'Il cut you a new one.
- You're not supposed to have this, Snader. - [ Groans ]
AII right, drag him out.
[ Ob]ect Clatters ]
[ Whispering ] Acton!
Sergeant!
Hey! Monroe! Snader!
Hey! Monroe!
Snader!
Go ahead. You'll have your brains out!
Schuyler, keep that screw away from the phone!
[ Groan ng ]
[ Man ] Come on, hurry up. Come on! Let me free!
-[ Man ] Hurry up.! -[ Man #2 ] Let's go, Vitol
_[ Man #1 ] l want out.! -[ Man #2 ] Let me at the screws!
- Open up the cells. - Hey, let me out, Dunnl
- Let me out of herel -[ Men Shouting ]
[ Man ] I can't believe it's happeningl
- Let 'em out! - AII right! Let's go!
[ Men Clamoring ]
Let's kill all screws!
- Where are the screws? _ Let's go!
[ Clamoring Continues ]
[ Buzzing ]
Barrett speaking.
This is Dunn. We've got 1 1 block and four of your guards.
- You've got what? - Get the warden down here or we're gonna kill every one of 'em.
Riot in cell block 1 1.
[ Siren Wailing ]
- What's up? - What's the sirens for?
I don't know, but I'll bet it's 1 1.
Sure, it's the guys in solitary.
It's a break!
Those guys have got guts enough to try anything.
[ Sirens Wailing ]
- Well, here we go again. - Yeah, and all for 50 bucks a week.
Captain Barrett?
I've got your open line to the governor's office.
Yes, sir. I'II monitor al calls from 1 1.
Here's the armory, sir.
Armory, how many men have checked in?
Second watch s coming in now.
Good. Speed 'em along. Here's the way I want 'em dispersed -
two in 1 block, five in 3 block...
two unarmed in 4 block.
Those to be armed get rifles and tear gas.
And tell 'em not to get itchy fingers.
AII right, boys, come on. Hurry up.
Watch those itchy fingers. Captain's orders.
Hello. Get me through to Barrett.
We I, cut in on him!
Hello? Hello, Barrett? This is Ambrose. What's up?
A riot in 1 1 block. The warden's on his way down.
- I'm at the gate. I'Il wait for the warden. - Right. I'II meet you in the yard.
[ Clamoring Continues ]
[ Shouting, Indistinct ]
Take it easy, fellas!
AII right, take it easy!
That's enough! That's enough!
Dummy up! Shut up!
Knock it off!
All right, cut it outl
Quiet down!
[ Clamor ng Stops ]
AII right, p pe down!
If we're gonna win this, we've gotta have discipline!
[ Cheering ]
Now, Carnie here and me are runnin' the show.
We all know what's wrong here.
We're gonna ask for changes, just like they did in the other prisons.
If they don't give it to us, we'II make 'em a present of one dead guard!
Or maybe four!
It may take all of 'em. but they'll listen!
Me and some of my friends are only in here...
because there ain't no room on any other block.
We don't want no trouble.
Lay off!
You're either in or out, okay?
- You all covered? - Yes, sir.
- AI posts set? - F rst thing I did.
- Doubled up in your building? - Yes, sir.
Who did they grab in 1 1?
Snader, Acton, Monroe -
Monroe? Who assigned him to that block?
- It was my suggestion. - That was a mistake.
I figured him pretty green.
That block takes six guards. It's tough enough to dig up four.
You know how short we are.
AII right, Dunn. I'm here.
I want your word. Warden. that I'II have safe-conduct.
I promise you no harm will come to you dur ng this conversation.
Guards, these are my instruct ons:
Dunn is to be allowed to come out into this yard...
and to return to 1 1 without interterence.
- How about it, Dunn? _ Sure. Warden.
When he's ready, 18. open the gate.
- Want me to go with you? - No.
Just Snader.
I gave you my word, Dunn. Hold that gate.
I believe you, Warden, but I don't trust your screws.
You gonna open up?
-[ Buzzer Sounds ] - [ Lock Clicks ]
- What do you want? - I want the press here tonight.
Inmates never w n a riot. You know that.
That's my worry.
Release the hostages. l'll get the press.
I can't bargain with you as long as you're holding these men.
I wouldn't stand a chance without hostages, and you know it.
[ Warden ] Give me your word you won't harm the hostages...
and I'II get the press.
- I can't hold my boys too long. - Couple of hours.
Okay.
-[ Buzzer Sounds ] - [ Lock Clicks ]
-[ Man ] Attaboy, Dunnl -[ Man #2 ] That's tellin'him!
- That's tellin' him. - [ Man #3 ] Good work.
- How's it goin', Carnie? - We're waitin'...
but we ain't sleepin'.
- Tony. make a ist of all this stuff. -[ Man ] l can use that wire.
What do you want to do, blow us through the roof?
Hey, I got something to show you that's terrific. Come on.
Hey, what's that?
Learned how to mix that cocktail in Normandy.
Now, watch this. This is a real beauty.
Hey. that's all right.
Fasten that to the bars of the window. you can knock their brains out.
Make some more.
There we are. It's finished.
- How does that work? - Here, lend me your neck a minute.
Slip it over a screw's neck -
How's it feel, screw?
- [ All Murmuring Appreciatively ] _[ Man ] That's all rightl
Holy smokes!
Right, Governor. I've got to have authority...
to bargain with Dunn and send for the state police.
I warned you we were due for a riot.
I've even got 'em sleeping n the corridors of block 4.
You're always talking about overcrowding. old plant, insuffioient personnel.
I don't want to argue that now.
Right now I've got a riot on my hands.
Give me the authority to act before this thing spreads.
Warden, I can't let convicts dictate terms to the state.
I'II send Haskell right away.
Yes, sir. Haskell!
I don't know what that politician will do here. These men can't vote.
Monroe's wife.
Yes, Mrs. Monroe?
[ Woman ] ls it true my husband's in block 1 1?
That's right. He is in the block.
[ Sobbing ] He'Il be killed!
We're not going to et anyth ng happen. I promise he'II be all right.
Yes. Good_bye.
Tell the operators not to put any more of the guards' wives through.
Just tell 'em they'II be okay. That's all I can tell 'em anyway.
I got four guys on the front gate. two on the roof.
Yard's all clear.
Captain Barrett's got nothing on you, Gator.
- You working out demands? - Well, we got a pretty good start.
Why don't we get the Colonel in on this?
I've been thinking about that. We could sure use him.
Well, then, use him.
Yeah.
Hey. Colonel...
you're the only guy here besides me who could lead this riot.
You gonna help us?
I had to hit that boy to show these gunsels who's boss.
In the street they think we're wild animals. Tonight you proved it.
What chance do we have if we don't stick together?
This place is bad enough. Don't you make t worse.
We're trying to work up some demands.
I'm asking everybody for their beefs. What's yours?
The same as everyone else - the whole setup.
The bloody cages. the idleness.
- But this riot won't change it. - What will?
Maybe nothing.
We're forgotten.
Colonel, you've got education, medals.
You're used to handling men. Help us with the demands.
Count me out.
- I don't get it. - There are a lot of reasons.
For one thing, l'm up for parole consideration.
You're strictly for you.
AII right, you control the boys. l'll help frame the demands.
[ Man ] Hey, Carnie.
- Monroe here wants a cigarette. - No.
Sure. What's the difference?
Sure. Give him the lighted end.
Here.
Take it. It's all right.
Thanks.
What are they doing out there? They're not gonna kill us, are they?
You'II be all right for a while.
It's not me. It's my wife. We're gonna have a baby.
How can you afford a kid on your salary?
I got two jobs - this one and one in town.
If l could get in touch with her-
Hmm. Now you know why the boys fuss so much over letters.
- If I could let her know I'm all right - _ They've got wives too.
Y- You got a family?
Sure. Wife and a kid.
It's tough any way you look at t.
I figure too good.
I figure all the time. but it don't add up.
- I'm an accountant, a good one. - Embezzlement?
Nah, robbery.
I'm out for a while, then I take something I don't need.
Grocery, department store - it doesn't matter.
- You mean you don't need the stuff? - No.
Just got to take it. Like some fellas have to take a drink.
You belong in a psycho ward. You shouldn't be here.
You're - You're different.
''Different''? [ Chuckles ] Take Ray in 26.
Armed robbery. Do you think all that happens...
is that he says to himself, ''I want something'' and then goes and gets it?
Nah. lt's not as simple as that.
There's something wrong with him too.
You - You mean they're all nuts?
Including the guards.
- Whose side you on, Mac? _ Well, of course I, uh -
I need glasses to see...
but not to think.
I can't put you through to the warden. Mrs. Snader. The press just arrived.
Tell him I've got to talk to him.
AII right, Mrs. Snader. l promise.
[ Line Ringing ]
No, I'm sorry. The warden's with the press. l cant cut in.
[ Line Ringing ]
What's a rookie guard doing in the hole?
We don't have enough men, and they're not good enough.
Most have to have other jobs to make a I v ng.
- Any idea why this started? - Who's this Dunn?
Here.
Armed robbery, third offense. Murder, second degree.
Medical report says he's homicidal - dangerous and unbalanced.
He should be under psychiatric care.
- When do we get to see him? - We're waiting for Commissioner Haskell.
He's on his way here. Here's another one.
[ Chuckles ] Crazy Mike Carnie.
In for life. Dunn's pal.
Transferred to us from the state mental hospital.
I've been trying to get him transferred back - with Dunn.
- No luck. - Are they all psychopaths?
Oh, no. We've got all kinds here.
Good and bad, just like on the outside. Here.
Vetter, known around here as the Colonel.
He is a colonel too. Brilliant war record.
Got drunk, fight in a bar, manslaughter.
He s up for parole consideration.
Should be out soon.
These men aren't here forever.
Ninety-five percent of them will be released.
Not men like Dunn.
He'll be living around you and your family.
And 85 percent of them will break the law again.
Sixty-five percent? That's a pretty high figure.
A figure that proves we're not doing the job.
Isn't that the same speech you gave the state legislature last summer?
It's the same speech he's been giving for the last nine years.
- Hello, Warden. Hello, everyone. - [ Reporters ] Hi, Haskell.
We I, let's get going, boys.
- Hello. How are you? - Hi, Commissioner.
- Hi, Jack. - Hi, Commissioner.
- How are you? - Nice seeing you. Bill.
- Barrett. - Mr. Haskell.
It's a fine mess you've gotten us into, Reynolds. Let's olean it up fast, huh?
[ Warden ] AII right, Dunn, here's the press.
Let me see your hands!
These are used on the inmates.
Drop 'em, or you can't come out.
Come on, hold up that chain. Now look fierce.
Show a screw with a chain.
[ Man ] Come on, show us how the chain works.
Sure, on you!
I'm coming out.
AII right, 16, open the gate.
-[ Buzzer Sounds ] - [ Lock Clicks ]
You gonna give us a statement. or do we ask questions?
We got beefs we want to bring to the attention of the publio.
There's no work program.
Most of the guys are just sitting. waiting for their time to run out.
- You're asking for work? - Yeah.
- You think the public cares? - They ought to. It's costing them dough.
- Your paper gonna print this? - You know what we're interested in.
Yeah. Mad dogs running wild.
-[ Camera Shutter Clicks ] - This place is badly organized.
Everybody's all jumbled up together -
mental cases with kids.
We understand you've threatened to kill the guards if your demands are not met.
- Is that true? - You heard right.
Isn't that murder - in prison or out?
This state will be responsible for their deaths.
We understand the guards are married. Some have children.
- So have we. -[ Man ] You're not being killed.
- [ Camera Shutter Clicks ] - We're rotting to death.
You know Mr. Haskell is here as the governor's representative.
If you can get together, will you call off the rlot?
If we can get together.
You heard Dunn, Mr. Haskell.
[ Dunn ] l'd appreciate reading something like what l've said.
I heard. His charges are without foundation.
Isn't it a fact that the federal government says...
that prisons of over 1,500 men are unmanageable?
This prison was built to house 4,000 men. It cost the taxpayers $26 million.
You want us to tear it down?
What's the cause of the riots. in your opinion?
I'll give you a full statement after I've talked to Dunn.
In a case like this, either the cons run the prison...
or the prison runs the cons.
- I wouldn't try to prove it tonight. - You gonna get the state police?
If l need them.
We gotta feed that Haskell a guard.
This is just the beginning. Take it easy.
Reynolds, this thing can spread. We can't let it.
We have to settle it tonight.
Okay, Haskell, what you got?
I want you to release the guards.
I bet you do.
- What do you want? - What are you gonna do for us?
If you don't give up, I'II see that every one of you hang.
Haskell, get away from me.
- Dunn! -[ Reynolds ] Haskell, come backl
Dunn!
-[ Camera Shutters Clicking ] - There's our statement, boys.
Oh, that's real brilliant, Carnie!
You gave 'em just what they wanted!
So far, the guys are behind me...
but for how long?
Some look up to you. and they'II follow you, not me.
Throw in with me, and we sew up the blook.
I told you I would help organize the demands. That's what I'm doing.
I want you to do more than fix the language.
Check with the men so they'II know you're for the demands.
I'm for the demands but against the riot.
Maybe that's because you used to be brass.
Maybe. I don't think so.
Look, Colonel...
every newspaper and radio in the country is watching this riot.
We'll never get a chance like this again.
Yeah, I know.
If we could just get across that anyone could land in prison...
just like that!
I'm just gonna serve my time and get out.
- And never come back? - Yeah.
And never come back.
Still think you're different. don't you?
No.
But once you put this uniform on. you not only look like a con...
you feel like one.
Yeah. Even if you don't come back...
you'II always be an ex-con, so why not come the whole way?
I can't, Dunn. It's like mutiny. I just couldn't go for that.
If you only had three years on the street since you were 14, you'd know how I feel.
We're wasting time.
I'II do the best I can on the demands. Let's hope we can w n some.
''Some''? We've got to win them all.
[ Man Snoring ]
Jeff...
if 1 1 can make it, so can we.
Don't rush it.
[ Reynolds ] Yeah, I know. We're all tired.
But the guards have to stay at their posts until further notice.
This is Mr. Russell of the New York Sun. He just flew in.
Hello, Warden. How's Haskell doing?
Just a flesh wound.
Excuse me, Warden. Kitchen crews have reported...
they're ready with breakfast. no incidents.
Good. Feed the blocks one by one. Start as usual.
Right now we're trying to feed 4.000 men.
Pardon me. I have to check the yard.
- Bring him up to date. - Sure. How about some coffee first?
Fine.
Yeah, what about the leg irons and chains?
- Yeah, what about 'em? _ [ Men Agreeing ]
That's covered in number three. You'II see when it's finished.
- Finished yet, Colonel? - Almost.
That's another thing.
Kids shou d be separated from guys like that.
Kids shou d be separated from what?
You heard me. From guys like you.
Rub your nose out of my business!
Don't get too big for your britches, sonny.
Mickey! Drop it.
- Commissioner, how do you feel? _ AII right, thanks.
What's going on?
We've fed 1, 2, and 3.
- Let 4 go, Barrett. - Yes, sir.
Delmar, Barrett speak ng. Send 4 through.
Yes.
Isn't it risky letting those men go past 1 1 on their way to the mess hall?
It is. The only other way to do it...
is to try to feed 4,000 men in their cells.
That has dangers too.
Don't know if I could spare enough guards for that and still maintain security.
Okay, keep moving.
[ Buzzer Sounding ]
Barrett, 18.
It's Dunn.
Yeah, Dunn?
Warden, we'II be ready in about 1 5 minutes.
Hold the phone.
- Dunn is ready to bargain. - Tell him you'II ca I him back.
I want to get this thing over with.
I'm not going to jump the minute he's ready.
Let him stew a while.
Time is on the r s de.
The longer we let this go, the more explosive it's going to get.
Tell him you'II call him back.
I'II ca I you back.
Just don't take too long. Warden.
[ Carnie ] He'd better not take too long.
Seven's still in business.
Sure wish I was with 'em.
This slop is rotten!
[ AII Clamoring ]
[ Clamoring Continues ]
Attention, all towers. This is the warden.
Listen carefully.
Don't do any shooting unless they hit the wall.
_ Cell block 5. -[ Man ] Yes, sir?
- Have they started yet? - Yeah. they're on their way.
Get 'em back. Block 4 has broken out of the mess hall.
Get yours back, whatever you do.
Yes, sir. We gotta get 'em back in their cells.
- AII right. Come on back. - Hold it! Back in your cells!
Back in your cells. Come on.
Come on, get a move on there. Come on.
Come on back.
[ Men Clamoring, Faint ]
Grab a cell. Into your holes! Hit your drum!
If they lock you in, you're dead! They'II shoot you in your cells!
Let's go!
[ Shouting ]
[ Clamoring ]
[ Man ] X.14 to 1 734. Ready now.
Come in. State police, come in.
[ Man #2 ] This is Lanslng.
Hello, Captain. This is Warden Reynolds.
- Standing by, Warden. - We need you right now.
- As many men as you can spare. - Yes, sir.
How soon can you get here. Captain Lansing?
- l'm on my way. - Good.
[ Clamoring Continues ]
Barrett, can you put any guards down in the yard?
I already have every man placed on 24_hour duty.
They've gone crazy. I'm getting scared.
Everybody's scared.
[ Fire Roaring ]
Toolhouse is on fire.
Fire Department.
Fire in the toolshed.
Fire in the toolshed! Let's go!
[ Siren Wa ling ]
It's Roberts in cell block 5.
Roberts?
- Lifer. - Roberts?
- Yeah. - You can get death in this state for leading a riot.
I've done 20 years of hard time, Warden.
Tell those guys in the gun walk to lay off or we bring these guards through.
- Wait. You tell him. - Warden...
these men mean to kill us.!
Gun walk.
Gun walk...
don't do any shooting when the men come out of 5.
Nineteen.
Nineteen tower.
The men are coming out of 5.
They have hostages. Let 'em go.
They want me to open up and let 'em into 1 1.
Yes, sir.
[ Man ] Hey, the state police are coming!
[ Carnie ] Why don't you bring the army too, you bunch of freaksl
[ Man ] Yel ow-bellied rat!
[ Man #2 ] Lousy dogs!
[ Carnie Exclaims ]
[ Man #3 ] Scram, you lousy copsl
Men, this is the warden speaking.
The state police have orders not to shoot if you go back to your blocks.
Go back to your blocksl
-[ Buzzer Sounding ] - I appeal to you for your own sake -
get back into your blocks. men.
Get back into your blocks!
Give me the okay, Warden. and we'll break this up.
Take over, Captain.
Lieutenant Wilkinson. proceed with plan B.
[ Shots Continue Firing ]
Dunn on the phone.
Yes, Dunn?
Warden, I'm giving you fair warning.
If any inmate is killed, one guard for each inmate.
[ Shouting, Indistinct ]
Pick up the man who was shot.
[ Shots Continue Firing ]
Break 'em up into two groups.
[ Shots Continue Firing ]
[ Booing ]
Damage estimated at over a million dollars.
That includes the mess hall. fire in the toolshed -
Once they arrived. it didn't take long.
Nobody killed, quite a few injuries.
State police handled themselves well.
The warden's policy is to avoid bloodshed.
No, it's far from over. Eleven's still holding out.
Now they have nine hostages - five guards from block 5.
No report on any of them. Presume they're still alive.
[ Man ] Haskell seems to be the boss around here.
- Yard's clear, Warden. _ Good. - [ Phone Ringing ]
Barrett, 18.
Warden, Bacon's dead.
Let's have the doctor hold his report for 24 hours.
We won't release this to the press, huh?
- [ Buzzer Sounding ] - There's 1 1 again.
Yeah, what is it?
- I hear Bacon got it. - It was an accident.
Give it to me straight.
He's dead. Gunshot.
Okay, it's like I said -
one for one.
Carnie, get one of the screws and bring him here.
- Snader? - Snader.
- It's a pleasure. - Dunn? Listen, Dunn, are you there?
It was an accident.
We didn't kill him. One of the state pol oemen did.
We're sticking to our end of the bargain.
Yeah, but Bacon's dead, isn't he? Our deal was one for one.
They're going to kill Snader.
Hold it, Dunn. I'm coming right down.
Dunn!
We're ready to listen to the demands.
Okay, Warden, I'm ready.
I want to talk to the whole prison.
First let me see Snader.
-[ Camera Shutter Clicks ] - Okay.
Have a good look.
-[ Buzzer Sounds ] - [ Lock Clicks ]
We of 1 1 block...
know that we represent...
the entire inmate population in these demands.
We are bargaining for all of you.
Here goes.
Eleven block must be remodeled.
Give us room to breathe...
and more light to see with.
The nuts ought to be separated from the rest of us...
and put someplace where you can do something for them.
Get rid of the leg locks. cha ns...
and brutal guards like Snader.
Teach us a trade...
so that when we get out of here...
we'll be able to hold down a job.
Are you sure you didn't write these demands yourself?
The whole thing sounds exactly like your yearly complaints.
''Remodel block 1 1, turn -''
Look, the state commission condemned that block two years ago.
Inmates read too.
And last...
no repr sals...
against any ringleaders...
or partioipants of this revolt.
That is all.
Well, you may let them get away with it. Reynolds, but I promise you...
I'II have these men brought to trial.
If it weren't for these guards. I wouldn't sign anything, and you know t.
- Warden. what do you think? - Those demands are awfully sharp for a bunch of cons.
These are inte ligent men. Dunn in particular.
If he's so smart, what's he doing n here?
He's also a psychopath, Iike a lot of brilliant men on the outside.
Are you going to recommend acceptance for the governor?
In the main. After all...
most of them have been my demands for a long time.
- Looks like this time you might get 'em. _ [ Sooffs ]
I want you to sign, and I want the governor to sign.
I'II sign, but I don't know about the governor.
When will you know?
Give me six hours.
Sure, Warden.
-[ Buzzer Sounds ] - [ Lock Clicks ]
[ Men Cheering ]
- [ Groans ] - Throw him in one of the cells.
Carnie! Carnie!
Carnie!
No. No.
[ Groans ]
Dunn! Carnie!
That's enough of that!
This punk tried to take over.
Throw him out.
Gator, get me Barrett on the phone.
Take care of him.
Come on, let's put him in a cell.
He's badly hurt.
- Easy with him, AI. - I've got him.
Oh, leave me alone.
- Far as I can tell, nothing broken. - My neck's stiff.
Lucky that pipe just glanced off your shoulder.
You don't look so hot yourself. AI.
- I figured you on M ckey's s de. _ You figured wrong.
Yeah. and you figured wrong when you put Carnie in charge.
If you want the job. it's yours.
Then shut up!
[ Buzzing ]
- Yes? -[ Carniie ] We're throwing Miickey out the front gate.
I'II right. I' I send a stretcher for Mickey. Who's this?
Mike Carnie.
- Where's Dunn? - l'm in charge now.
That was Crazy Mike Carnie. He's taken over.
- They've almost killed one of the inmates. _ What happened to Dunn?
- He won't say. - Crazy Mike - who's he?
''Crazy'' is the nicest thing you can say about him.
- Dispensary. -[ Man ] Yes, sir?
Send a stretcher to 1 1 block gate.
[ Footsteps Approaching ]
What's the matter, Snader?
Don't think I like you, huh?
You're wrong. I'm gonna do you a favor.
Wanna say good-bye to your wife?
I'II let you write her a farewell letter.
No.
AII the other screws are writing letters.
How will your old lady feel if she don t get one?
Of course. if you don't wanna -
I'll just leave the pencil and paper.
Change your mind, just rap on the door. Schuyler will pick it up.
Wa t till the wives get those letters and start to phone the warden.
[ Chuckles ] You'II see some action.
What a lot of tripe.
''Good_bye forever.''
Get me the operator.
This is Carnie. I want to talk to Mrs. Monroe.
[ Buzzer Sounding ]
The operator says Carnie's calling Mrs. Monroe.
Tell 'em to put the call through. I'Il monitor it here.
Put the call through. We'II cut in.
- Find out what this guy's up to. .[ Woman ] Yes?
- Mrs. Monroe, this is inmate Carnie. - Mike Carnie?
I got a farewell letter here from your husband.
[ Mrs. Monroe Sobbing ] No.! No, he's not dead!
[ Carnie ] Not yet.
''Dearest Sue...
I feel responsible for everything. ''
- Get me the governor. -[ Mrs. Monroe Sobbing ]
Operator. get the governor. Urgent.
[ Carnie ] ''They tell me l gotta say good_bye to you and the children.
l don't know how, because l can't believe it. ''
Convinced?
- Just a moment, sir. Ready. - Governor. have you signed yet?
No, I haven't.
These men's lives really depend on it.
We can't trust Carnie.
Governor, if you're going to sign at all, will you please do lt right away?
I must consider very carefully.
If I sign, it'II be an open invitation to the inmates of every prison in this state...
to grab guards and dictate their own terms.
Governor...
I don't want you to take the responsibility for the murder of nine men.
Every minute counts.
He hasn't s gned?
Not yet.
What happens if we break into 1 1 block?
That block is as hard to break into as it is to break out of. Harder.
Some of my men will be killed.
Well, suppose we blast a hole in the block, only inmates get killed?
The casualties will be high.
- Including the guards on the inside. _ Maybe.
Haskell, the moment you give the order..
to blow up that block. you're in complete charge.
I'II have to take that risk. AII right, Captain, let's get started.
Hold your head up a little.
Colonel, do you think us guards should be killed?
- We haven't done anything. - Hold quiet.
I never treated the men bad.
No, you just Iock up the cages...
and help throw the food to the wild animals.
I never hit nobody. Didn't play no favorites.
Yeah, you treat us all the same -
Iike a bunch of cons.
Each man in here feels different inside.
We all fight for our identity. And you help destroy that.
That s the prison. I'm just a guard here -
Yeah, I know.
That's what we got against you.
[ Carnie ] Schuyler.
Get me Snader. We'II start with him.
- I thought I told you - - Take off.
And keep your eyes open.
I don t think we shou d kill 'em.
I don't think God would approve.
How's AI, Tony?
Feeling better.
Talk to him. See if he and his friends will stand up against Carnie.
- I don't want trouble. - You can't have it both ways.
If you don't want the guards killed. you have to put up a fight.
Go on.
Hand him over, Schuyler!
What do you guys think you're doing?
I'm willing to let you run this riot, Carnie...
- but you can't kill Snader. - Gator, boys, come on!
Now, wait a minute!
- Let's let Dunn decide this! _ [ Men Murmuring Assent ]
AII right. Get him.
What's the matter?
You guys goin' chicken?
- I want to see Dunn. - Carnie said no.
I said I wanted to see Dunn!
Dunn. Dunn!
- Hey. take it easy. - Carnie's gonna kill Snader!
- What for? What happened? - Nothing. He's crazy.
- If you don't stop it, we'II all end up in a bucket. _[ Men Clamoring ]
I told him no cutt ng!
AII right, break it up. Break it up.
- Break it up. AII right - _ Hold up.
Break it up, now. Break it up.
AII right, break it up. Break it up, now.
They're gonna blow up the block!
What?
I been standing guard, and I seen these cops coming across the yard.
- They're not planting flowers. - Where?
- By the end of the block. - Lock Snader in a cell.
AII right, dummy up. Dummy up.
[ Hammer, Chisel Clinking ]
- It's a double-cross. - [ Men Clamoring ]
They're gonna blow a hole in the block.
Carnie, get the screws. We'll tie 'em up here.
Right. Gator, you three, come on.
Will you wait for the governor to sign?
And if he won't sign? We've tried your way. It's no good.
It started with four hostages, now nine. Tomorrow it may be 20.
You've never tried it my way.
The legislature's never given me the money I need.
If they had, maybe I wouldn't have a riot on my hands.
I disagree. I think this riot is a direct result...
of your policy of compromise w th the convicts.
That's why I'm against sign ng. I'd never sign.
Your way would only make this place harder to handle.
You'd have thousands of angry, desperate men...
and they'd take it out on the public when they're released.
They may be angry, but they'II be scared too.
They'll know we mean business.
They'II think twice before they riot again.
No.
You'II never stop riots by treating the prisoners worse.
You stop them by treating them better?
[ Hammer, Chisel Clinking ]
[ Clamoring ]
Line up! Line up!
Get back in your cells!
Get back in your cell -
- Popped his buttons. - Yeah.
- I'm calling the warden to tell him we're giving up! - I'm running this show, Colonel.
They blow th s cell block, they'II not only kill the guards, but we'Il go with them!
[ Clamoring ]
_ AII right. cut it out. -[ Man ] Put that bum in there.
That's what anybody else gets who tries to sell us out.
- You all set? - Say the word.
[ Phone Ringing ]
[ Ringing ]
[ Ringing Continues ]
- This is Dunn. What's up? _ The warden's on his way down to the yard.
Yeah, but what about the dynamite?
Nothing's going to happen lf you release the guards and come out.
The governor signed the demands.
Hey. the warden's in the yard.
They say the governor signed the demands
- It's a trick, Dunn. - Well, I'm gonna find out.
I've signed it. So has the governor.
You wouldn't be playing tricks, Warden?
Like maybe plant ng a little dynamite?
- AII the reporters here? - Yes.
Okay, let's give them their headlines.
[ Camera Shutter Clicking ]
All right. Dunn. Start filing out, one by one.
After I see the morning papers.
They'Il be here at /:30.
Fine.
- We did it! - [ Men Cheering ]
-[ Buzzer Sounds ] - [ Lock Clicks ]
[ Cheering ]
AII right. Let the guards out first.
[ Indistinct Conversation ]
I gather from what you say you feel you've won a victory.
- That's right. - Congratulations are in order.
I'II say they are.
- Tom Tom! - [ Exclaiming ]
I never thought I'd see you again!
[ Indistinct Conversations ]
Hey, Colonel!
Yeah, Dunn?
I can't understand why we haven't heard anything. What do you think they're doing?
- Well, it's only two weeks. - Yeah, but nothing's happened.
They're in no rush.
Sure, you forced them. but they don't like it.
They signed. lt's still in the papers.
What's in the papers? That you led a riot?
That you beat up the guards? That you destroyed property?
Yeah, and the headlines say I won!
Yeah. Well, don't expect any medals.
[ Footsteps ]
[ Man ] AII right, Dunn. the warden wants to see you.
It's about time!
I hear the warden's got the bluepr nts for the new 1 1 blook.
- Here he is now. - [ Reporters Clamoring ]
[ Door Opens ]
Wa t outs de.
What's it all about, Warden?
Dunn, you're going to stand trial...
on charges of leading a riot and kidnapping guards.
But I don't get it.
No reprisals - the agreement.
There is no agreement.
State legislature repudiated the governor's signature and mine.
- They what? - Canceled it out.
Said we had no right to make an agreement with convicts.
But Warden, you signed t. You gave us your word.
I don't like it, Dunn...
but that's what happened.
What'II I get?
If you're found guilty. probably 30 years.
Thirty years? And for what?
For nothing!
What'Il Carnie get. and the colonel?
Carnie is being sent to the state mental institution...
where he should have been a long time ago.
I'm signing the colonel's parole.
And I get 30 years.
Warden, you know I didn't do it to bust over the walls.
I did it just so people would know what it's like in here. But 30 years?
I was never able to transfer Carnie before.
The colonel may not have gotten his parole. even though he deserved it.
Try to realize, Dunn...
that good does sometimes come out of evil.
That's awful little good for 30 years.
Well, the public has learned more...
about the inside of a prison in the last few weeks...
than they did in my 15 years of making speeches.
Why do you think that is?
Because we got in the papers.
And you're still news...
with or without an agreement.
Haskell wants me to resign.
There's gonna be an investigation.
But this time, the public will listen to my side of it.
And they're your only hope.
They're the only ones who can help.
I sure hope so.
I've been in and out of these joints all my life.
And who cares? That ain't right. Warden.
In other states after their riots. changes were made.
The inmates won.
Yeah, I won - 30 years.
[ Buzzer Sounding ]
♪♪[ Dramatic ]
♪♪[ Ends ]