User Reviews

Without resorting to the type of melodrama that some of the Warner Brothers pictures of the same era tended to do, "Riot in Cell Block 11" is a fairly gritty piece of work that surprises with characters on both sides of the jail cell expressing similar views. The film attempts to influence the viewer toward a need to improve prison conditions in general, and in that regard, the warden in charge (Emile Meyer) agrees with the prisoners that something needs to be done to improve physical conditions, train them for a trade once they're released and keep the mentally challenged separate from the population at large.

That mentally challenged part gets a workout in the story from inmate Crazy Mike Carnie, realistically portrayed by veteran character actor Leo Gordon. Until researching this picture I had no idea he was once incarcerated himself for armed robbery, and I never noticed his formidable physical appearance before in a handful of Western movies and TV series appearances. Suffice it to say he could have handled himself credibly in any situation he might have encountered.

The choice of leader for the prison uprising featured here was also a casting coup; Neville Brand had the perfect face and demeanor for a convict ready to explode. His no nonsense approach demanded the killing of a guard for every prisoner who died when the authorities attempted to regain control. Interestingly, things didn't go that far even when one of the inmates died following the state police advance on the prisoners during the siege.

Though the newspaper headlines proclaimed 'Rioters Win' once the state governor signed off on the prisoner list of demands, the victory for the inmates was a short lived one. One almost feels sorry for convict leader Dunn (Brand) when he learns he'll face charges and a potential thirty year prison term for leading the riot, offset by the warden's partial victory in getting needed repairs for the prison and having the mental defectives like Carnie segregated from the main population. That was a perfect moment for Dunn to go ballistic on the warden but the picture didn't go in that direction.

For a more recent picture, 1980's "Brubaker" does a commendable job of exposing corruption in the prison system, with an emphasis on the attitude of politicians who would rather look the other way when it comes to prison reform. In that one, Robert Redford portrays a newly assigned prison warden who integrates his way into the prison population to take on corruption from the inside.

"Riot In Cell Block 11" is a fast-moving, low budget, prison drama that's violent, gritty and extremely hard-hitting. Its story about a riot that's organised to achieve better living conditions for the convicts in a large prison forcefully illustrates the reasons for their grievances and highlights the numerous problems associated with trying to make any meaningful improvements. With its relatively short running time, its style is predictably punchy, direct and economical but what makes it more remarkable is the intelligent, balanced and sincere way in which the whole subject of prison reform is examined.

This movie is a typical docu-noir as it features extensive location work, a newsreel-style narration and many actual prisoners and guards appearing as extras. Additionally, one of the main characters is played by Leo Gordon who'd spent time in prison for armed robbery and its producer Walter Wanger also served a sentence for shooting a man who he believed was having an affair with his wife (movie star Joan Bennett). Wanger's experience made him a passionate advocate of prison reform and no doubt, is one of the reasons why the movie provides such a powerful and authentic picture of prison life in the 1950s.

A group of prisoners break out of their cells one night and start a riot before overcoming their guards and holding them as hostages. The prisoners' leader James V Dunn (Neville Brand) makes the men's grievances known to the warden and threatens to kill the guards unless he's allowed to explain the men's demands to the press. Warden Reynolds (Emile Meyer) agrees and Dunn subsequently tells a group of reporters that the prisoners want an immediate end to overcrowding, terrible food and the practice of housing mentally ill convicts with the general prison population. Furthermore, they want an end to the beatings that are routinely meted out by the guards.

In response to the trouble at the prison, the governor had sent his emissary, Commissioner Haskell (Frank Faylen) to negotiate on his behalf but on hearing the prisoners' demands, he refuses to make any concessions and threatens to have all the men executed unless they hand the guards back unharmed. Dunn's second-in-command, Crazy Mike Carnie (Leo Gordon), a man who's less stable than Dunn, becomes so incensed at Haskell's stance that he throws a knife at him and wounds him in the chest.

To reinforce his intransigent stance, Haskell arranges for the state police to end the problems in cell block 11 by blowing a hole in a wall and the prisoners respond by tying their hostages to the same wall. Surprisingly, however, before the planned explosion takes place, the prisoners receive a message to confirm that the governor has agreed their demands and their victory is also reported in the newspapers. The events that follow don't work out in the way that the prisoners had envisaged and ultimately, they're left with mixed feelings.

The divisions that exist within both sides who are involved in the dispute at the prison are clearly described as Dunn has to control the recklessly violent Mike Carnie, see off a challenge by another psychopathic prisoner who wants to take over the leadership role and confront the apathy of another man who doesn't want to participate because he expects to be paroled soon. Similarly, the sympathetic warden, who has long advocated the reforms that the prisoners want is forced to follow the course dictated by his political bosses who have their own reasons for not wanting to make concessions.

Neville Brand and Leo Gordon are well cast as the two leaders of the riot and Emile Meyer is incredibly subtle and strong in his portrayal of the warden who carries out his orders with great dignity whilst at the same time feeling completely frustrated by regularly seeing men so brutalised by their experience in prison that 65% of them consistently re-offend. "Riot In Cell Block 11" is a movie that says a great deal in a short space of time and commendably recognises the complexities involved with prison reform rather than just resorting to using stereotypes and promoting simplistic solutions.

After the credits the opening scene is done in documentary style. The headline reads "Riots Rip US Prisons" in 35 states, with massive destruction costing millions of dollars. An authority, Richard McGee (as himself), says that the reasons for the mass disturbances are the neglect of institutions by government leaders, with the public being culpable. This beginning sets the tone for the rest of the movie.

The next scene displays the inside of Folsom Prison in northern California (located outside of Sacramento) where 4,000 inmates are incarcerated. The toughest prisoners, who have a chalk mark "X" on their individual cells, are fed individually. Before long a guard is overpowered, then three others. They are held hostage while other convicts are released from their cells. The inmates barricade themselves inside the cell block. When Warden Reynolds (Emile Meyer) appears, convict James Dunn (Neville Brand), the leader of the riot, tells him that he wants the press to hear his demands. The motivation of the inmates is reform, not break-out. Initially the prisoners demand less overcrowding and a works program. But Commissioner Haskell (Frank Faylen), the governor's representative, wants no concessions and threatens to execute the ringleaders if the guards are not released. Early on the riot is confined to Cell Block 11 before it spreads to other prison areas, like the mess hall in Cell Block 4. There is continuous destruction and looting. When the state police arrive they force the rioters back into blocks although Cell Block 11, now with nine captured guards, holds out.

With the help of an educated inmate, ex-army Colonel Vanna (Robert Osterloh) – who is serving time for manslaughter – the prisoners prepare their full demands in writing. They include: (1) remodeled Cell Block 11 with better lighting, (2) reduced overcrowding, (3) separation of the psychopaths from younger inmates, (4) removal of leg locks or chains, (5) instituting a program for teaching trades to convicts, (6) removal or chastisement of brutal guards, (7) improving the quality of food, and (8) no reprisals. Ironically the warden has generally pushed for the same reforms in the past, although the commissioner still refuses concessions. Meanwhile Dunn has some difficulty in keeping the prisoners in line as prisoner factions develop. When Dunn is wounded by a crazed convict, next-in- command "Crazy Mike" Carnie (Leo Gordon), a large and dominating man with much less balance than Dunn, takes control. The prisoners are divided whether to kill one or more of the guards as Haskell decides to blow up a portion of the cell block. The rioters fasten the captured guards up to the wall that is scheduled for demolishing, but just in time the governor and the warden sign the prisoner demands. Next day the morning newspaper headline screams, "Rioters Win!"

Alas! There is a twist at the end. Not only does the state legislature repudiate the agreement, but also Dunn has to stand trial for inciting the riot and kidnapping the guards. He can get thirty years jail time. Colonel Vanna will get parole, and Carnie will be shipped off to a mental institution. The one saving grace for Dunn is the publicity emanating from the riot.

Ironically, Producer Walter Wanger had served four months' time for attempted murder. He shot a man who was having an affair with his wife, actress Joan Bennett. With Director Don Siegel, he planed on making a movie that replicated the appalling conditions he witnessed during his confinement. He succeeded on a low budget, even though the main characters were not well-known at the time; real guards and convicts were even used as secondary characters. Note that domineering actor Leo Gordon was indeed an ex-con who served five years in San Quentin for armed robbery. Director Siegel even claimed, "Leo Gordon was the scariest man I have ever met." And that's about as genuine as a movie can get!

Film producer Walter Wanger (Cleopatra) had recently been released from prison, and with director Don Siegel (Dirty Harry, The Shootist) they made this film to portray the terrible conditions Wanger went through while incarcerated. Shot on location at Folsom State Prison, with real guards and prisoners in the background, the story sees prisoner James V. Dunn (BAFTA nominated Neville Brand) leading a revolt against the prison authorities. The prisoners want changes made to the conditions and routines of the prison, so they break out, taking a few guards hostage threatening their lives. They have made a document of negotiations for Warden Reynolds (Emile Meyer) and Commissioner (to be Senator) Haskell (Frank Faylen) to sign, and they will not give up until this has been done. Also starring Leo Gordon as Crazy Mike Carnie, Robert Osterloh as The Colonel, Paul Frees as Guard Monroe, Don Keefer as Reporter, Alvy Moore as Gator, Dabbs Greer as Schuyler, Whit Bissell as Guard Snader and James Anderson as Guard Acton. The film is very realistic with its portrayal of prison life and the inmates trying to gain control, and I'm sure it will keep people engaged. It was nominated the BAFTAs for Best Film from any Source. Very good!

***SPOILERS*** The movie was the brainchild of producer Walter Wagner who himself served time behind bars for shooting in the groin his wife actress Joan Bennett's lover press agent Jennings Lang. That's when he caught them red handed smooching in a parked car on December 13, 1951. Sentenced to only four month for attempted murder, he got a brake using the insanity defense, Wagner in the movie "Riot in cell-block 11" was to show the public what the US prison system really is. And how it turns those in it into even worse anti-social psychopaths then when when they first entered it!

Things have being going from bad to worse for the inmates at San Quentin and it's a matter of time before the entire place is going to blow it's top. It's the civic minded Warden Reynolds, Emile Meyer, who wants to give the inmates a reason not to explode by making things a lot better for them. But it's the state that refuses to give him the funds he needs that had things get soon out of hand. It's the predatory and psychotic looking James V. Dunn, Neville Brand, who devises a plan to take over the prison with the help of his fellow inmates and hold it hostage, together with it's personnel, until the Governor Thomas Browne Henry agrees in writing to improve conditions there. A full scale riot breaks out with Dunn and his second in command the deranged and kill crazy gorilla-like "Crazy Mike" Craine, Leo Gordon, taking control of the cell-block together with the prison guards assigned there.

****SPOILERS*** As much as Warden Reynolds tries to prevent the violence from spreading into the other cell-blocks Dunn soon has the entire prison under his control with the national guard and state police, who in fact make things a lot worse, called in to quite things down. Warden Reynolds doesn't get any help from the state commissioner of prisons Haskell, Frank Feylen, who's more interested in using brute force instead of negotiations to settle things down with the inmates. As things later turned out Dunn & Co. got their way with Governor Henry finally giving into to their demands. In him making things better for those behind bars so when they get out they can blend in with society not go to war against it. It also turned out to be a Pyrrhic victory for both Dunn and the crazed and violence driven Crazy Mike Carnie who ended up with the short or sh*t end of the stick.

In a way it was a double-cross on the state's part in hanging both Dunne and Crazy Mike Craine out to dry but Warden Reynolds in fact had nothing at all to do with it. But Dunn did get what he set out to do in making conditions better for those serving time in the states prisons but in his breaking the law ended up paying a steep price for doing it! P.S Check out the usually meek and mosey Whit Bissell acting against type as the brutal and sadistic prison guard, that everyone in the "Joint" just couldn't wait to get their hands around his neck, Mister, that he demands to be called,Seden.

A cast of familiar character actors make up prison staff, inmates, reporters and government flunkies. Brutal living conditions get the inmates in an uproar and without unnecessary plot in the way, the riot erupts immediately. This is how to tell stories like this with minimal female intrusion, and just men needing to do what they need to do to fix a horrible situation with brutal conditions. There is also the human angle with prison employees having to open their eyes to see what has lead to this day. Certainly there had been prison movies before but they softened the conditions and minimized the brutality.

Among the cast in the huge ensemble are Neville Brand, William Schallert and Dabbs Greer who later played a retired prison guard looking back on his life in "The Green Mile". A brilliant script is aided with Don Siegel's fantastic direction, greatly influenced by what producer Walter Wanger had seen when he was in prison. Sltrady tense to begin with, this gets even more so as the film goes on. The film industry would greatly be influenced by these styles of filmmaking, a much needed transition as permissiveness opened up the story telling field to serious subjects like this.

The angry inmates in cell block 11 led by the shrewd and fearsome James V. Dunn (superbly played by Neville Brand) stage a riot in protest to the deplorable living conditions in the prison they are incarcerated in.

Director Don Siegel's trademark mean'n'lean style works exceptionally well in both maintaining an uncompromisingly tough confrontational tone throughout and keeping the gripping story moving along at a brisk pace. The use of authentic Folsom Prison locations and actual guards and convicts as extras provides an utterly convincing sense of gritty realism. The hard-hitting script by Richard Collins likewise doesn't pull any punches, with the inmates drawn in a credible manner as not all of them get along and agree with one another about the riot. Moreover, the screenplay warrants extra praise not only for its admirable refusal to paint the criminals in a too sentimental light or provide any of them with needless back stories, but also for the surprising downbeat ending with Dunn winning the battle, yet still losing the war by having thirty years added to his sentence.

The strong acting by an excellent cast of sturdy and refreshingly unglamorous character actors helps a whole lot, with especially stand-out work from Leo Gordon as the unstable and dangerous Crazy Mike Carnie, Emile Meyer as the sympathetic Warden Reynolds, Frank Faylen as the rigid and uncaring Commissioner Haskell, Whit Bissell as mean chief guard Snader, Robert Osterich as venerable felon The Colonel, and Paul Frees as nervous rookie guard Monroe. Don Keefer and William Schallert pop up in small roles as reporters. Kudos are also in order for Herschel Burke Gilbert's rousing score and Russell Harlan's stark black and white cinematography. An important and provocative film.