Riot in Cell Block 11 (Criterion Collection)

Director Don Siegel's early-career prison film is a bare-knuckle drama with a conscience, telling of the standoff that takes place when inmates stage a riot, take the guards hostage, and decry the brutal conditions in the penitentiary. The warden is sympathetic, but politicians balk at caving to their demands as the press watches and the atmosphere inside begins to boil over. Filmed at Folsom State Prison, with real inmates and guards as extras; Neville Brand, Emile Meyer, and Whit Bissell star. 80 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English; audio commentary; more.