Short Eyes (1977)

Director:

Robert M. Young

Writer:

Miguel Pinero (play)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

"Jesus help me, cause man won't."

Plot:

A child molester sent to prison finds that criminals exact harsher justice than society.

Plot Keywords:

Prison | Rape | Gay Slur | Prison Guard | Ethnic Slur

Cast

Bruce Davison	...	Clark Davis
José Pérez	...	Juan
Nathan George	...	Ice
Don Blakely	...	El Raheem
Tony DiBenedetto	...	Tony (as Tony Di Benedetto)
Shawn Elliott	...	Paco
Tito Goya	...	Cupcakes
Joseph Carberry	...	Longshoe
Bob Maroff	...	Mr. Nett
Keith Davis	...	Mr. Brown
Luis Guzmán		(as Luis Guzman)
Miguel Pinero	...	Go-Go
Bob O'Connell	...	Mr. Allard
Mark Margolis	...	Mr. Morrison
Richard Matamoros	...	Gomez

Also Known As:

Slammer

Runtime:

100 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Norway:18 (1979) | Iceland:16 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Trivia:

The film was shot in the "Manhattan Corrections Center", also known as "The Tombs". Although The Tombs had been closed for years, it was specifically reopened so this movie could be shot using the prison as the set.

Quotes:

Juan: Someday I'm gonna be walking down the streets minding my own business and BAM! I'm gonna be shot by some pig, who's gonna swear that it was a mistake. I accept that as a part of my destiny.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Piñero (2001)

Soundtrack:

Back Against The Wall

Educational Film

"Short Eyes," filmed in and about the Men's House of Detention ("The Tombs") graphically documents the thoughtless conditions which existed in American prisons in our not too distant past. Without constructive programs for learning, personal growth and self improvement, physically or mentally, the inmates were left to fester with their own negative thoughts and actions. The results of such ingrowth is presented in an inactement which helps to foster social change. While the drama may be repulsive in many ways, it nevertheless informs on a topic which is extremely important. It's up to voting citizens to wield their power in bringing about proper rehabilitative opportunites for so-called criminals. With men couped up in close confines with virtually nothing to do, who wouldn't be tempted to succumb to unconstructive activities. Miguel Pinero wrote a powerful, educational play, and members of the New York cast are to be congratulated in their skillful ensemble work.