Murder in the First 1995
7.3 / 10
Murder in the First
A young, inexperienced public defender is assigned to defend an inmate accused of committing murder while behind bars.
A young, inexperienced public defender is assigned to defend an inmate accused of committing murder while behind bars.
Videos & Photos
All 1 Videos & 15 Photos
cast
Full Cast & Crew
... James Stamphill
... Henri Young
... Glenn
... Mary McCasslin
... Bill McNeill
... Mr. Henkin
User reviews
See All 1 Reviews12 Apr 2022 by Wuchak
_**Life on Alcatraz in the 30s and early 40s**_ A young lawyer (Christian Slater) defends an inmate of Alcatraz (Kevin Bacon) accused of murder in 1941, but argues that the cruel treatment in the notorious prison is what drove him to it. Gary Oldman plays the heartless Warden (technically associate Warden) while R. Lee Ermey is on hand as the judge. "Murder in the First" (1995) is a prison/courtroom drama that says its “inspired by true events,” which means it’s NOT a biography of the real Henri Young, but rather uses Young’s basic story as a microcosm for unveiling several of Alcatraz’ dubious and inhumane doings during the 30s. Look up the real history after viewing the movie, yet not just Young’s story and the trial, but also the ‘Dungeon’ and how prisoners were treated in solitary confinement during the early years of that infamous ‘Rock.’ The movie successfully brings the viewer back to the 30s and early 40s, but the filmmakers laid it on too thick in regards to how ee-vil the prison authorities are, not to mention how supposedly innocent Young is (he wasn't), which smacks of agenda. But, like I said, Young _represented_ several issues/cases at Alcatraz, so it can be overlooked. Nevertheless, this is cut from the same cloth as “The Shawshank Redemption,” the surprise hit from a year earlier (not that it was a hit at first, but it eventually became one). I’m not saying “Murder in the First” is as good but, if you liked “Shawshank,” you’ll probably appreciate it. Embeth Davidtz, Kyra Sedgwick and Mia Kirshner show up on the feminine front. Davidtz really shines in the biggest role of the three. The film runs 2 hours, 2 minutes, and was shot in San Francisco & Alcatraz Island with the courtroom scenes done at Triscenic Production Services Inc. in Los Angeles area. GRADE: B-
Directors:
Release Date:
Jan 20, 1995 (France,United States)
Run Time:
2hr 2`
MMPA Rating:
R
Original Language:
English
Production Countries:
France,United States
Status:
Released
Plot Keywords:
Related Movies To
Murder in the First
_**Life on Alcatraz in the 30s and early 40s**_ A young lawyer (Christian Slater) defends an inmate of Alcatraz (Kevin Bacon) accused of murder in 1941, but argues that the cruel treatment in the notorious prison is what drove him to it. Gary Oldman plays the heartless Warden (technically associate Warden) while R. Lee Ermey is on hand as the judge. "Murder in the First" (1995) is a prison/courtroom drama that says its “inspired by true events,” which means it’s NOT a biography of the real Henri Young, but rather uses Young’s basic story as a microcosm for unveiling several of Alcatraz’ dubious and inhumane doings during the 30s. Look up the real history after viewing the movie, yet not just Young’s story and the trial, but also the ‘Dungeon’ and how prisoners were treated in solitary confinement during the early years of that infamous ‘Rock.’ The movie successfully brings the viewer back to the 30s and early 40s, but the filmmakers laid it on too thick in regards to how ee-vil the prison authorities are, not to mention how supposedly innocent Young is (he wasn't), which smacks of agenda. But, like I said, Young _represented_ several issues/cases at Alcatraz, so it can be overlooked. Nevertheless, this is cut from the same cloth as “The Shawshank Redemption,” the surprise hit from a year earlier (not that it was a hit at first, but it eventually became one). I’m not saying “Murder in the First” is as good but, if you liked “Shawshank,” you’ll probably appreciate it. Embeth Davidtz, Kyra Sedgwick and Mia Kirshner show up on the feminine front. Davidtz really shines in the biggest role of the three. The film runs 2 hours, 2 minutes, and was shot in San Francisco & Alcatraz Island with the courtroom scenes done at Triscenic Production Services Inc. in Los Angeles area. GRADE: B-
Cast & Crew of
Murder in the First
Directors & Credit Writers
... Director
Cast
... James Stamphill
... Henri Young
... Glenn
... Mary McCasslin
... Bill McNeill
... Mr. Henkin
... Byron Stamphill
... Blanche
... Rosetta Young
... Judge Clawson
... Warden James Humson
... Prison Guard's Wife
... Alcatraz Guard Swenson
... Jury Foreman
... Jerry Hoolihan
... Alcatraz Doc
... Mike Kelly
... Simpson
TB
Tony Barr... Winthrop
... Harve
Produced By
Videos & Photos of
Murder in the First
Videos ( 1)
Murder in the First - Trailer
YouTube
Photos ( 15 )
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