| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Steve McQueen | ... | ||
| Dustin Hoffman | ... | ||
| Victor Jory | ... |
Indian Chief
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| Don Gordon | ... |
Julot
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| Anthony Zerbe | ... |
Toussaint
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Robert Deman | ... |
Maturette
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| Woodrow Parfrey | ... |
Clusiot
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| Bill Mumy | ... |
Lariot
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| George Coulouris | ... |
Dr. Chatal
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| Ratna Assan | ... |
Zoraima
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| William Smithers | ... |
Warden Barrot
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| Val Avery | ... |
Pascal
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| Gregory Sierra | ... |
Antonio
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| Vic Tayback | ... |
Sergeant
(as Victor Tayback)
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| Mills Watson | ... |
Guard
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Henri "Papillon" Charierre is sentenced to life in prison and transported to the penal in French Guyana. Aboard ship on the voyage over, he meets Louis Dega, a forger. They form a bond that will last them a great many years. The conditions at the penal colony are horrific and Papillon desperately wants to escape. His first attempt ends quickly in failure and as a result he spends 2 years in solitary confinement. His next attempt is somewhat more successful and he actually spends a idyllic time with a tribe of Central America Indians. Once caught however, he does 5 years in solitary confinement. Once released, he decides to make one final attempt at freedom. Written by garykmcd
Terrifying film dealing with life in prison. Not just any prison, but one way off to itself with few fellow human beings around. I think this was McQueen's finest film ever, and perhaps Hoffman's also. I know it has had a lasting effect on me through the years; I have never forgotten the awesome loneliness the prisoners went through. Great picture, thumbs up.