Two chained-together escaped convicts, White and Black, must learn to get along in order to elude capture.Two chained-together escaped convicts, White and Black, must learn to get along in order to elude capture.Two chained-together escaped convicts, White and Black, must learn to get along in order to elude capture.
- Won 2 Oscars
- 16 wins & 21 nominations total
- See all cast & crew
- Director
- Writers
- Nedrick Young(originally as Nathan E. Douglas)
- Harold Jacob Smith
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaRobert Mitchum turned down the role of John "Joker" Jackson (Tony Curtis' role). Mitchum, who claimed to have served on a Southern chain gang when he was 14, said that he didn't believe the premise that a Black man and a white man would be chained together, as such a thing would never happen in the very-strictly-segregated South. Over the years, this reason was corrupted to the point where many people believed Mitchum turned down the role because he didn't want to be chained to a Black man, an absolute falsehood. Curtis repeated the inaccurate story in his autobiography, but recanted after it was explained to him.
- GoofsTwice they are soaked to the skin in water and mud, but come up with dry cigarettes and matches.
- Quotes
Noah Cullen: I ain't gettin' mad, Joker. I been mad all my natural life.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Precious Images (1986)
- SoundtracksLong Gone
Adapted from "Long Gone (From Bowlin' Green)" (1920)
Music by W.C. Handy (as William C. Handy)
Words by Chris Smith
Sung a cappella by Sidney Poitier (uncredited) several times
Featured review
The Poitier/Curtis Jail-Break Classic
Sidney Poitier continues to break race barriers with this formula jail-break drama. Teamed with Tony Curtis, the escaped prisoners encounter many situations, where their difference in color seems to matter more than the fact that both are fugitives from the law. Throughout the film, the viewer empathizes with the escapees, figuring that they always got a bum deal in life. A scene towards the end, where a single mother sees a chance to "hook up" with Curtis, shows how Curtis, although often disagreeing, even physically fighting with Poitier, still sees Poitier as an equal in their quest for freedom. Rather than "sell out" his friend, he would rather die trying to save him. The inevidable ending (remember that one of the rules in Old Hollywood was that the bad guys can never win)is quite moving.
Definitely among the established Hollywood Classics. Although many of the "old ways" have changed drastically since the late 50s, this film offers insight into a piece of Americana many people living today can still recall. An important piece of Film History, and highly recommended.
Definitely among the established Hollywood Classics. Although many of the "old ways" have changed drastically since the late 50s, this film offers insight into a piece of Americana many people living today can still recall. An important piece of Film History, and highly recommended.
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- mdm-11
- Oct 2, 2004
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Flucht in Ketten
- Filming locations
- Kern County, California, USA(crossing the river)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $778,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 36 minutes
- Color
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