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IMDb > The Jericho Mile (1979) (TV)

The Jericho Mile (1979) (TV) More at IMDbPro »

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Overview

User Rating:
7.5/10   540 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 3% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Patrick J. Nolan (story)
Patrick J. Nolan (teleplay) ...
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Contact:
View company contact information for The Jericho Mile on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
18 March 1979 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
He's running for his freedom ... and his life.
Plot:
Rain Murphy is a man sentenced to life in prison, choosing to do his time in near-isolation, and engages... more | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
Won 3 Primetime Emmys. Another 2 wins & 1 nomination more
NewsDesk:
User Comments:
When they take away your dreams, take them back more (19 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Peter Strauss ... Larry 'Rain' Murphy

Richard Lawson ... R.C. Stiles
Roger E. Mosley ... Cotton Crown

Brian Dennehy ... Dr. D

Geoffrey Lewis ... Dr. Bill Janowski
Billy Green Bush ... Warden Earl Gulliver
Ed Lauter ... Jerry Beloit
Beverly Todd ... Wylene
William Prince ... O.A.U. Chairman
Miguel Pinero ... Rubio
Richard Moll ... Joker Gibb
Edmund Penney ... OAU Official
Burton Gilliam ... Jimmy-Jack
Ji-Tu Cumbuka ... Brother Lateef
Wilmore Thomas ... Moo-Moo
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Additional Details

Runtime:
97 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Metrocolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Filmed at Folsom Prison in California, many actual prisoners appeared on camera. One of those prisoners acted as a bodyguard for Peter Strauss. more
Quotes:
Dr. D: [Asked who did something] Lickety split! more
Movie Connections:

FAQ

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6 out of 6 people found the following comment useful.
When they take away your dreams, take them back, 23 May 2003
10/10
Author: Pat McCurry (acehighpat@aol.com) from Wilton, NH

I watched the this the other night on a local station because I didn't feel like watching tripe like 'American Idol'. Peter Strauss gives a great performance as a convict named 'Rain' Murphy who keeps to himself. He admits to his crime and makes no bones that he feels no shame for it. His cell is bare of any comforts that other inmates have like books and pictures. The only time he feels in another zone is in running. He does it often and can run a mile in under four minutes. When a college coach hears about this, he wants to prime him for a shot at the Olympics. At first, 'Rain' wants no part of this, but when his best friend is killed, he shows interest.

This is a good movie, period. Strauss is very good (What did you expect, anything less?) and Michael Mann shows hints of greatness that would come full bloom years later. This movie had that bit of realism (probably because it was filmed among convicts). It almost feels like this was a true story. The additional casting is good. There is a lot of notable names like Brian Dennehy, Roger E. Mosley, and Richard Moll as well.

My heart sank when some pompous board of directors wouldn't let him run because he didn't feel bad for his crime. His final act made me stand up and cheer. When they took his dreams away, he took them back hard. This was back when TV movies were actually good. 'The Jericho Mile' is a gem of a film. ESPN Classic, PLEASE SHOW THIS FILM!!!

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The music for this film - stolen from the Stones? M-Petri
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