Riot in Cell Block 11
Riot in Cell Block 11

Riot in Cell Block 11

1954Movie80 minEnglish

A prisoner leads his counterparts in a protest for better living conditions which turns violent and ugly.

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Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Director: Don SiegelGenres: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir

Plot Summary

A brutal inmate, James V. "The Butcher" Dunn, incites a prison riot to protest the inhumane conditions and unfair treatment within the prison walls. As the inmates take control of a cell block, they hold guards hostage and make demands to the authorities. The warden must navigate the volatile situation, attempting to de-escalate the violence while facing pressure from the outside world and the dangerous dynamics within the prison.

Critical Reception

Riot in Cell Block 11 was critically acclaimed for its gritty realism, powerful performances, and unflinching look at prison life. It is widely regarded as a classic of the prison film genre and a significant work in Don Siegel's filmography, praised for its tense atmosphere and social commentary.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its raw and authentic portrayal of prison life.
  • Neville Brand's menacing performance as the lead inmate is a standout.
  • Lauded for its social commentary on penal reform and inmate treatment.

Google audience: Information on Google user ratings is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film was shot entirely on location at Folsom State Prison, using actual inmates as extras, which contributed significantly to its authentic and raw atmosphere.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This begins with a television interview given by real-life prison reformer Richard McGee who reacts to a well documented spate of prison riots by informing the audience that they, too, must bear their share of responsibility for the conditi...
Steve

Steve

www.noiroftheweek.com Coming as a big surprise to me, the forgotten gem Riot in Cell Block 11 is being released by Criterion on DVD soon. The film is a semi-documentary noir released in the early 1950s. The film documents a fictional...