Lucky Break (2001)

Under the leadership of a small-time bank robber, British inmates hatch a plan to escape by staging a musical.

Director:

Peter Cattaneo

Writers:

Ronan Bennett (screenplay), Stephen Fry (book)

Stars:

James Nesbitt, Olivia Williams, Ron Cook

4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
James Nesbitt	...	James 'Jimmy' Hands / Lord Nelson in Show
Olivia Williams	...	Annabel Sweep / Lady Hamilton in Show
Timothy Spall	...	Cliff Gumbell
Bill Nighy	...	Roger 'Rog' Chamberlain / King George III in Show
Lennie James	...	Rudy 'Rud' Guscott / Hardy in Show
Ron Cook	...	Mr. Perry, the Guard
Frank Harper	...	John Toombes
Raymond Waring	...	Darren
Christopher Plummer	...	Graham Mortimer
Julian Barratt	...	Paul Dean
Peter Wight	...	Officer George Barratt
Celia Imrie	...	Amy Chamberlain
Peter McNamara	...	Ward
Andy Linden	...	Kenny
Ram John Holder	...	Old Billy Morris

Storyline

Half-way through his 12-year prison sentence for an incompetent armed robbery, Jimmy Hands gets a lucky break: he's transferred to a prison from which he can probably escape. He convinces the governor to stage a musical in an old chapel next to the prison's outer wall. He rounds up volunteer actors and puts his escape plan into production. Two other barriers, besides the wall, confront him: the arrival of a nasty inmate, John Toombes, who insists on joining the escape, and Jimmy's feelings of attraction for Anabel, a social worker who agrees to appear in the play. Opening night approaches: is this Jimmy's breakout performance?

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Plot Keywords:

escape | prison | lord horatio nelson | convict | anger management | 

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Taglines:

An escapist comedy from the director of "The Full Monty"

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for brief strong language and some sexual references

Details

Official Sites:

Miramax/Paramount [us] - synopsis, cast, trailer, stills (Flash)

Country:

UK Germany

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 April 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

Our Lucky Break

Filming Locations:

Devon, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$7,495 (USA) (5 April 2002)

Gross:

$54,606 (USA) (7 June 2002)

Company Credits

Production Co:

FilmFour, Fragile Films, Lucky Break Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Roger 'Rog' Chamberlain: I understand you fellas have lost interest in long-term imprisonment.

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Crazy Credits

During the credits we are shown what happens to the escapees, the security guard, and the warden, along with a short piano song by Cliff.

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Connections

References London's Burning (1988)

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Soundtracks

"54-46 Was My Number"
(1966)
Written by Toots Hibbert
Published by Universal Music Publishing Ltd.
Performed by Toots & The Maytals

User Reviews

stupid but fun

Lucky break is stupid. In fact, so stupid it's reasonably laughable. But it's also entertaining. Very entertaining. Filled with great comic sketches, as well as heart-touching moments, this film is definitely worth £3.50 and a bag of extra-large popcorn.

Starting off, two men are arrested, and put into jail, which they find very uncomfortable. They want out. So they hatch a ludicrous scheme that just couldn't work...or could it? Some good acting (espcially by Timothy Spall) leads this film well on it's way to the thumbs up. Funny, touching and hugely, hugely enjoyable, Lucky break should be just the antidote to a long, stressful day.

Overall: **** out of ***** (4 out of 5)