The opening text of Canon City is very chilling. Shot on location at the Colorado State Prison, using real convicts and the warden playing themselves, and telling a true story, this movie is as close to a documentary as it gets. There are a handful of actors in there, leading the jailbreak, but they're pretty convincing that they're real convicts as well. Jeff Corey is the leader of the pack, and his gravelly, grisly delivery makes you believe he wouldn't hesitate to kill his hostages. He and costar Whit Bissell were in the previous year's jailbreak movie Brute Force, so it's no wonder they were cast together again.
In the beginning of the film, a faceless narrator takes us through the town and the prison, introducing and interviewing the warden and a few prisoners. He then introduces the actors who are planning to escape and takes us through the steps. It reminded me a lot of Escape from Alcatraz, but obviously not as polished. This is an obscure flick from 1948, so don't expect Clint Eastwood's feathery hairdo and glamorous Technicolor cinematography. Instead, keep an eye out for a pre-famous DeForrest Kelly and the screen debut of Scott Brady. This tense drama will definitely hold your interest and also provides a unique twist that sets it apart from other prison movies. Females are usually never present in these types of movies, but the actresses in this one are bold, brave, and exciting. Way to go, girls!
In the beginning of the film, a faceless narrator takes us through the town and the prison, introducing and interviewing the warden and a few prisoners. He then introduces the actors who are planning to escape and takes us through the steps. It reminded me a lot of Escape from Alcatraz, but obviously not as polished. This is an obscure flick from 1948, so don't expect Clint Eastwood's feathery hairdo and glamorous Technicolor cinematography. Instead, keep an eye out for a pre-famous DeForrest Kelly and the screen debut of Scott Brady. This tense drama will definitely hold your interest and also provides a unique twist that sets it apart from other prison movies. Females are usually never present in these types of movies, but the actresses in this one are bold, brave, and exciting. Way to go, girls!