Six Against the Rock (TV 1987)

In May of 1946, Alcatraz inmate Bernie Coy initiates a carefully thought out plan to escape the island prison. His plan, carried out with five accomplices, falls apart when they can't obtain a key to unlock a door leading to the yard.

Director:

Paul Wendkos

Writers:

John Gay (teleplay), Clark Howard (book)

Stars:

David Carradine, Richard Dysart, Dennis Farina

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
David Carradine	...	Bernard 'Bernie' Paul Coy
Richard Dysart	...	Warden James Johnston
Dennis Farina	...	Robert Stroud
Charles Haid	...	Sam Shockley
Howard Hesseman	...	Joseph 'Dutch' Cretzer
David Morse	...	Marvin Hubbard
Jan-Michael Vincent	...	Miran 'Buddy' Thompson
Paul Sanchez	...	Dan Durando
John Mahon	...	Officer Bill Miller
J.P. Bumstead	...	Officer Corwin
Tom Reese	...	Capt. Weinhold
Ian Patrick Williams	...	Lt. Bergen
Lee Anthony	...	Lt. Simpson
Scanlon Gail	...	Officer Baker
Eric Server	...	Officer Lageson

Storyline

In May of 1946, Alcatraz inmate Bernie Coy initiates a carefully thought out plan to escape the island prison. His plan, carried out with five accomplices, falls apart when they can't obtain a key to unlock a door leading to the yard.

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller | Action | Crime

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 May 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hellcatraz

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gaylord Productions, Schaefer/Karpf/Eckstein Production

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The character of Dan Durando is the only one of the escapees that is fictional. The actual sixth member was Clarence Carnes, a Native American who was spared execution because he refused to kill the captured prison guards as ordered.

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Goofs

The gun battle between Guards and inmates actually took place in the D Block side of the prison, when armed officers attempted to take control of the West Gun Gallery. According to written accounts, Guard Harold Stites was fatally hit in the back by a bullet fired from outside through a D Block window.

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Quotes

Bernard 'Bernie' Paul Coy: Stroud! We got it! We're going! Straight through the yard, down to the boat!
Robert Stroud: Now, how the hell do you do that?
Bernard 'Bernie' Paul Coy: Hostages. Four guards. You can still come, you know. What do you say?
Robert Stroud: I was dumb enough to get into this joint, Bernie. I ain't crazy enough to try and break out.
Bernard 'Bernie' Paul Coy: Well, we're going.
Robert Stroud: Where, Bernie? That's the problem. Where? Do you think it's worth it?
Bernard 'Bernie' Paul Coy: I tell you the God's truth. If I have to wake up *one* more morning in a cement cage, nine by six, not even knowing if it's daylight ...
[...]

User Reviews

Realistic and intense ...............

When Alcatraz films are compared, "Six Against the Rock", is rarely even mentioned. That is a real shame, because it compares favorably with better known movies like "Escape From Alcatraz" and "Birdman of Alcatraz". The film is realistic and intense, having been filmed entirely on Alcatraz. The acting is totally acceptable, and except for a few brief talky parts, holds interest throughout. As the escape plan comes undone, and the situation deteriorates, the desperate plight of the escapees becomes crystal clear, and their fate sealed. I liked David Carradine's logic, and David Morse's ferocity. Jan Michael Vincent has a very minor role, as does Dennis Farina. Recommended. - MERK