Did You Know?
Edited into
Visions of Light (1992)
Referenced in
Luke (1967)
The Second Hundred Years: Dude Hand Luke (1968)
The title is from the movie title
The title is from the movie title
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In: Episode #1.9 (1968)
Title mentioned during Joke Wall
Title mentioned during Joke Wall
The Beverly Hillbillies: The Great Cook-Off (1968)
Uncle Jed says, "What we got here is a failure to communicate." to the Italian cook.
Uncle Jed says, "What we got here is a failure to communicate." to the Italian cook.
Take the Money and Run (1969)
The prison camp and the prison warden who resembles Strother Martin
The prison camp and the prison warden who resembles Strother Martin
The Making of 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' (1970)
Paul Newman mentions this film.
Paul Newman mentions this film.
Avanti! (1972)
Line: 'What we have here is a failure of communication.'
Line: 'What we have here is a failure of communication.'
The Centerfold Girls (1974)
Tim quotes the famous line 'What we have here is a failure to communicate.'
Tim quotes the famous line 'What we have here is a failure to communicate.'
Heartbeeps (1981)
the crimebuster robot in the junkyard says "what we have had here is a failure to communicate"
the crimebuster robot in the junkyard says "what we have had here is a failure to communicate"
Cheers: Give Me a Ring Sometime (1982)
Mentioned by Sumner.
Mentioned by Sumner.
Here Comes Garfield (1982)
"What we have here is a failure to communicate"
"What we have here is a failure to communicate"
The Dukes of Hazzard: Cool Hands, Luke & Bo (1984)
Title reference
Title reference
Moonlighting: Cool Hand Dave: Part 1 (1987)
title reference
title reference
Moonlighting: Cool Hand Dave: Part 2 (1987)
title reference
title reference
Glitch! (1988)
Orange Juice Squeezer: Big Hand Luke
Orange Juice Squeezer: Big Hand Luke
Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)
after Santa tells Ernest the reason he had fake money Ernest says the line "what we got here is a failer to commucate"
after Santa tells Ernest the reason he had fake money Ernest says the line "what we got here is a failer to commucate"
Redneck Zombies (1989)
(as he puts on sunglasses) "What we have here is a failure to communicate"
(as he puts on sunglasses) "What we have here is a failure to communicate"
Island of Fire (1990)
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Untamed Youth (1990)
Crow: "Anyone not behaving spends a night in the box step."
Crow: "Anyone not behaving spends a night in the box step."
By Dawn's Early Light (1990)
Cheers: Grease (1990)
Mentioned by Carla.
Mentioned by Carla.
Flight of the Intruder (1991)
Jake's call sign is "Cool Hand"
Jake's call sign is "Cool Hand"
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Gamera vs. Guiron (1991)
Joel: "It's Cool Hand Luke!" ; Tom: "Shakin' the bush, boss!"
Joel: "It's Cool Hand Luke!" ; Tom: "Shakin' the bush, boss!"
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Teenage Caveman (1991)
Crow: "Any animal caught in the wild spends a night in the box."
Crow: "Any animal caught in the wild spends a night in the box."
The Simpsons: Black Widower (1992)
same music theme when Bob remembers his life in prison
same music theme when Bob remembers his life in prison
Monster in a Box (1992)
Killer Tomatoes Eat France! (1992)
The Sandlot (1993)
Dialogue from the scene at the pool mimics that of Cool Hand Luke
Dialogue from the scene at the pool mimics that of Cool Hand Luke
Rugrats: Chuckie's First Haircut/Cool Hand Angelica (1993)
Title Reference
Title Reference
Reality Bites (1994)
The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)
ReBoot: Enzo the Smart (1994)
Enzo: "What we have here is a failure to network"
Enzo: "What we have here is a failure to network"
Major Payne (1995)
The Simpsons: The PTA Disbands (1995)
the "that's a night in the box" line ("that's a paddlin'...")
the "that's a night in the box" line ("that's a paddlin'...")
Home Improvement: Totally Tool Time (1997)
Mentioned in dialogue by Sy
Mentioned in dialogue by Sy
Family Guy: Holy Crap (1999)
Peter drives the pope past the chain gang from this movie
Peter drives the pope past the chain gang from this movie
Hope Island: Batten Down the Hatches (1999)
This is the new video Bonita gets for the store.
This is the new video Bonita gets for the store.
Easy Rider: Shaking the Cage (1999)
mentioned once
mentioned once
Jackass: Episode #1.4 (2000)
Mentioned. Eating 50 eggs without puking contest.
Mentioned. Eating 50 eggs without puking contest.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
Vulgar (2000)
Yes, Dear: Greg's Big Day (2000)
The characters discuss this film.
The characters discuss this film.
One Night at McCool's (2001)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Tough Love (2001)
Glory: "So, what I think we have here is a failure for you to do your frickin' jobs!"
Glory: "So, what I think we have here is a failure for you to do your frickin' jobs!"
America's Sweethearts (2001)
"we're looking at a remake of Cool Hand Luke."
"we're looking at a remake of Cool Hand Luke."
Serendipity (2001)
poster seen by Sara and named as Jonathan's favorite movie
poster seen by Sara and named as Jonathan's favorite movie
Will & Grace: Grace in the Hole (2002)
Will: "Did you give him the Cool Hand Luke?"
Will: "Did you give him the Cool Hand Luke?"
Lizzie McGuire: El Oro de Montezuma (2002)
"failure to communicate" line is recited
"failure to communicate" line is recited
Farscape: What Was Lost: Part 2 - Resurrection (2002)
John says: "Is that enough dirt outta your hole, boss?"
John says: "Is that enough dirt outta your hole, boss?"
WarCraft III: Reign of Chaos (2002)
Friends: The One with Ross's Inappropriate Song (2002)
It's one of the videos in Richard's apartment.
It's one of the videos in Richard's apartment.
That '70s Show: Black Dog (2002)
Kelso is waving an air gun around and accidently points it at Eric. And Eric says "Hey! Watch it with the gun Cool Hand Luke." Refrencing the film Cool Hand Luke (1967).
Kelso is waving an air gun around and accidently points it at Eric. And Eric says "Hey! Watch it with the gun Cool Hand Luke." Refrencing the film Cool Hand Luke (1967).
25th Hour (2002)
There's a poster in Monty's apartment.
There's a poster in Monty's apartment.
Oz: A Failure to Communicate (2003)
title reference to quote
title reference to quote
Shanghai Knights (2003)
Holes (2003)
CSI: Miami: Hard Time (2003)
The Georgia parole board member uses the 'failure to communicate' line on Horatio, then says 'I always liked that movie'
The Georgia parole board member uses the 'failure to communicate' line on Horatio, then says 'I always liked that movie'
Saturday Night Live: Colin Firth/Norah Jones (2004)
Mentioned during the cold opening
Mentioned during the cold opening
EastEnders: Episode dated 3 September 2004 (2004)
Alfie says, "Cool Hand Luke, Paul Newman, I wanted to be him".
Alfie says, "Cool Hand Luke, Paul Newman, I wanted to be him".
Rosemary & Thyme: The Memory of Water (2004)
The convict labor used to clear the garden is compared to 'Cool Hand Luke and the boys.'
The convict labor used to clear the garden is compared to 'Cool Hand Luke and the boys.'
Gilmore Girls: We Got Us a Pippi Virgin (2004)
Lorelai, Luke, Rory and Dean plan to watch the film at the local cinema. Lorelai also refers to Luke as "Cool Hand" throughout the episode.
Lorelai, Luke, Rory and Dean plan to watch the film at the local cinema. Lorelai also refers to Luke as "Cool Hand" throughout the episode.
Saturday Night Live: David Spade/Jack Johnson (2005)
Mentioned during cold opening
Mentioned during cold opening
Four Brothers (2005)
The song Garrett Hedlund sings in the car is Plastic Jesus, a traditional American folk song. Paul Newman's character sang the same song in Cool Hand Luke.
The song Garrett Hedlund sings in the car is Plastic Jesus, a traditional American folk song. Paul Newman's character sang the same song in Cool Hand Luke.
Today You Die (2005)
Max: "What we've got here is failure to communicate."
Max: "What we've got here is failure to communicate."
Saturday Night Live: The Best of David Spade (2005)
Referenced by 'Martha Stewart'
Referenced by 'Martha Stewart'
Green Day: Bullet in a Bible (2005)
Tre says "No man can eat 50 eggs!"
Tre says "No man can eat 50 eggs!"
NCIS: Frame Up (2005)
Tony does a Cool Hand Luke impersonation when he leaves prison.
Tony does a Cool Hand Luke impersonation when he leaves prison.
Saturday Night Live: Dane Cook/James Blunt (2005)
Mentioned in The Long Ride Home: The Jay Feely Story
Mentioned in The Long Ride Home: The Jay Feely Story
House M.D.: Failure to Communicate (2006)
the title of this episode is from a quote in this movie: "What we have here is a failure to communicate"
the title of this episode is from a quote in this movie: "What we have here is a failure to communicate"
Cars (2006)
Lightning McQueen's Punishment is to tar the road. Just as the Prisoner's Punishment is in this film, also Paul Newman stars in both films.
Lightning McQueen's Punishment is to tar the road. Just as the Prisoner's Punishment is in this film, also Paul Newman stars in both films.
Lost: Lockdown (2006)
Sawyer calls Jack 'Cool Hand'
Sawyer calls Jack 'Cool Hand'
Jeopardy!: Episode #22.218 (2006)
correct response in "Movie Catch Phrases" category
correct response in "Movie Catch Phrases" category
The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning (2007)
"failure to communicate"
"failure to communicate"
Hustle: Signing Up to Wealth (2007)
Albert mentions "What we've got here is failure to communicate." to newcomer Billy Bond
Albert mentions "What we've got here is failure to communicate." to newcomer Billy Bond
Kyle XY: Lockdown (2007)
Hillary quotes Captain: "What we have here is a failure to communicate."
Hillary quotes Captain: "What we have here is a failure to communicate."
Halloween (2007)
Big Joe Grizzley says the line "What we got here is a failure to communicate" in a voice imitating of Strothers Martin from Cool Hand Luke.
Big Joe Grizzley says the line "What we got here is a failure to communicate" in a voice imitating of Strothers Martin from Cool Hand Luke.
The Apprentice: A Knight on Broadway (2008)
Trace says, "What we have here is a failure to communicate"
Trace says, "What we have here is a failure to communicate"
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Two and a Half Deaths (2008)
Henry says, "What we've got here... is a failure... to coagulate."
Henry says, "What we've got here... is a failure... to coagulate."
The O'Reilly Factor: Episode dated 21 May 2008 (2008)
Dennis Miller references this film in the 'Miller Time' segment.
Dennis Miller references this film in the 'Miller Time' segment.
Burn After Reading (2008)
One of Linda's matches on an internet dating service has the username "CoolHandTodd"
One of Linda's matches on an internet dating service has the username "CoolHandTodd"
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)
Nana's broken sunglasses on the ground, like those of the sunglass-wearing prison boss
Nana's broken sunglasses on the ground, like those of the sunglass-wearing prison boss
Splinter (2008)
(said to Seth) "Keep a cool hand, Luke."
(said to Seth) "Keep a cool hand, Luke."
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Episode #7.58 (2008)
Contestant mentions the film
Contestant mentions the film
Californication: Blues from Laurel Canyon (2008)
Hank says "What we have here is a failure to communicate."
Hank says "What we have here is a failure to communicate."
Bestsellers (2009)
Mentioned in the film.
Mentioned in the film.
Archie's Final Project (2009)
referenced in dialogue
referenced in dialogue
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Episode #7.160 (2009)
Included in a $16,000 question
Included in a $16,000 question
A Perfect Getaway (2009)
Mentioned in dialogue by Nick, who also quotes the film
Mentioned in dialogue by Nick, who also quotes the film
General Hospital: Episode #1.11883 (2009)
"failure to communicate"
"failure to communicate"
Jeopardy!: Episode #26.32 (2009)
Subject of a $1,200 clue in the category "'P.M.'"
Subject of a $1,200 clue in the category "'P.M.'"
General Hospital: Episode #1.11953 (2009)
Franco: What we have here is a failure to communicate
Franco: What we have here is a failure to communicate
Saturday Night Live: Charles Barkley/Alicia Keys (2010)
Quote is a question during 'Reel Quotes'
Quote is a question during 'Reel Quotes'
The Cleveland Show: Our Gang (2010)
Cleveland quotes the film by saying "What we have here is a failure to communicate."
Cleveland quotes the film by saying "What we have here is a failure to communicate."
Cop Out (2010)
Paul quotes from it in the interrogation room
Paul quotes from it in the interrogation room
Hollywood's Top Ten: Best Fights (2010)
Honorable mention for the best fighting movie
Honorable mention for the best fighting movie
The Simpsons: The Squirt and the Whale (2010)
Homer thinks up a movie starring the whale and calls it 'Cool Hand Fluke'
Homer thinks up a movie starring the whale and calls it 'Cool Hand Fluke'
Toy Story 3 (2010)
Buzz Lightyear lists infractions that will cause a toy to "spend a night in the box".
Buzz Lightyear lists infractions that will cause a toy to "spend a night in the box".
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (2010)
Mission achievement titled "Cool Hand Tosh" is a spin off of Cool Hand Luke.
Mission achievement titled "Cool Hand Tosh" is a spin off of Cool Hand Luke.
The Cinema Snob: Redneck Zombies (2010)
"You expect me to believe that this guy has seen Cool Hand Luke?"
"You expect me to believe that this guy has seen Cool Hand Luke?"
Weeds: Bliss (2010)
Doug says this is his favorite movie
Doug says this is his favorite movie
IMDb's 20th Anniversary Star of the Day: Ryan Kwanten (2010)
Ryan Kwanten mentions this movie during interview
Ryan Kwanten mentions this movie during interview
Dirty Jobs: Wetland Warrior (2010)
Mike asks C.B. about a failure to communicate
Mike asks C.B. about a failure to communicate
Californication: Another Perfect Day (2011)
"Cool Hand Ben"
"Cool Hand Ben"
Duke Nukem Forever (2011)
Duke: "Now what we've got here, is a failure to communicate"
Duke: "Now what we've got here, is a failure to communicate"
I (Almost) Got Away with It: Got to Impersonate a Guard (2011)
One of the detectives describe the escape from jail like the escape from the movie
One of the detectives describe the escape from jail like the escape from the movie
Born to Ride (2011)
mentioned in dialogue
mentioned in dialogue
Chillerama (2011)
"What we got here is a faiulre to communicate"
"What we got here is a faiulre to communicate"
Arena (2011)
"What we have here is a failure to communicate"
"What we have here is a failure to communicate"
NCIS: Engaged (Part II) (2011)
DiNozzos quotes a few lines from Cool Hand Luke while in the church.
DiNozzos quotes a few lines from Cool Hand Luke while in the church.
General Hospital: Episode #1.12565 (2012)
"What we got here is a failure to communicate."
"What we got here is a failure to communicate."
Featured in
AFI's 100 Years... 100 Heroes & Villains (2003)
Luke Jackson is #30 on the "Heroes" list.
Luke Jackson is #30 on the "Heroes" list.
AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movie Quotes: America's Greatest Quips, Comebacks and Catchphrases (2005)
The quote "What we've got here is failure to communicate." is #11 on the list.
The quote "What we've got here is failure to communicate." is #11 on the list.
AFI's 100 Years... 100 Cheers: America's Most Inspiring Movies (2006)
This film is #71 on the list.
This film is #71 on the list.
20 to 1: 50 to 01: Great Movie One Liners (2007)
Some clips from this movie are shown in a segment on the line "What we've got here is a failure to communicate."
Some clips from this movie are shown in a segment on the line "What we've got here is a failure to communicate."
20 to 1: Sexiest Movie Moments (2007)
Clips shown in a segment on its car wash scene.
Clips shown in a segment on its car wash scene.
A Natural Born World-Shaker: Making 'Cool Hand Luke' (2008)
clips shown throughout
clips shown throughout
De wereld draait door: Episode #4.141 (2009)
A fragment is shown.
A fragment is shown.
20 to 1: Hollywood's Hot List (2009)
Clips shown in a segment on Paul Newman.
Clips shown in a segment on Paul Newman.
The Rotten Tomatoes Show: Zombieland/A Serious Man/Whip It (2009)
How to Escape Prison segment
How to Escape Prison segment
Huckabee: Episode dated 6 November 2010 (2010)
Clip of the captain edited into commentary
Clip of the captain edited into commentary
Spoofed in
Take the Money and Run (1969)
Saturday Night Live: Strother Martin/The Specials (1980)
At Camp Beau Soleil, a French language immersion camp, "Cool Hand" Luc (Bill Murray) tries to rebell against the curriculum provided by Le Capitan (Strother Martin).
At Camp Beau Soleil, a French language immersion camp, "Cool Hand" Luc (Bill Murray) tries to rebell against the curriculum provided by Le Capitan (Strother Martin).
Doin' Time (1985)
reproduces the egg-eating contest, roadmending scene, etc.
reproduces the egg-eating contest, roadmending scene, etc.
Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988)
Sir Norbert Smith, a Life (1989)
The Simpsons: Black Widower (1992)
Sideshow Bob remembers his life in prison
Sideshow Bob remembers his life in prison
The Players Club (1998)
Life (1999)
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
The King of Queens: Cowardly Lyin' (2003)
Deacon imitates Strother Martin and tells Doug "he has to get his mind right".
Deacon imitates Strother Martin and tells Doug "he has to get his mind right".
The Lion King 1½ (2004)
overhead shot from end of egg-eating contest
overhead shot from end of egg-eating contest
Beethoven's Big Break (2008)
crazy credits: poster "Drool Hand Luke"
crazy credits: poster "Drool Hand Luke"
Family Guy: Cool Hand Peter (2011)
Episode title is a parody of movie
Episode title is a parody of movie
