The new warden of a small prison farm in Arkansas tries to clean it up of corruption after initially posing as an inmate.The new warden of a small prison farm in Arkansas tries to clean it up of corruption after initially posing as an inmate.The new warden of a small prison farm in Arkansas tries to clean it up of corruption after initially posing as an inmate.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 1 win & 4 nominations total
- Burl Willets
- (as Ronald C. Frazier)
- Duane Spivey
- (as David D. Harris)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaBased on the real-life efforts of former prison administrator Thomas O. Murton to reform Tucker and Cummins Prison Farms in Arkansas in 1967-68. The film was based on the 1969 book, "Accomplices to the Crime: The Arkansas Prison Scandal" by Murton and Joe Hyams. Murton also served as a technical adviser for the film.
- GoofsAt the end, when the car is leaving the prison, the grass around is violently shaking revealing the helicopter carrying the camera.
- Quotes
Richard 'Dickie' Coombes: What you gon' do about Abraham?
Henry Brubaker: I've got Purcell filling out forms in triplicate, and I'm going to get him released just as soon as I-
Richard 'Dickie' Coombes: Now why do you wanna go and do that?
Henry Brubaker: Do what?
Richard 'Dickie' Coombes: Look, why don't you just leave him be. I mean, all he knows is this place.
Henry Brubaker: You - You knew that he had been in here as long as he'd been in here.
Richard 'Dickie' Coombes: Just leave him alone. He's not- He's not botherin' nobody here.
Henry Brubaker: Hey... You can't hide in prison forever, Coombes.
- Crazy credits"We wish to pay tribute to Richard Ward, who played 'Abraham,' for a lifetime of very special work."
- ConnectionsFeatured in Siskel & Ebert: Robert Redford (1992)
- SoundtracksAll for the Love of Sunshine
(uncredited)
Written by Mike Curb, Harley Hatcher and Lalo Schifrin
Performed by Hank Williams Jr.
Heard when the steer is dropped off at the diner
He manages to carve a bond with a few prisoners before he modestly reveals his true identity and, through a series of well acted confrontations, he begins to make the prison machine tick over nicely. In the final analysis his efforts are not totally successful, but the film does reflect change and at least the viewer can agree that he seized the chance to make a difference.
The film is possibly a bit too long and the principal character is under-developed. 'Brubaker' was apparently a rather mournful, strained film to work on and the original director, Bob Rafelson, was sacked for smacking Ron Silverman (producer) in the nose during an early on-set argument.
However, I think it is well acted and very absorbing to watch. I particularly enjoyed the scene where Brubaker gets his staff to release a few long term solitary confinements, stating that before they do so, the requisite pairs of sunglasses should be given to them as they come out of complete darkness for the first time in ages - the staff think Brubaker is crazy: of course, they cannot see that this is all about building trust. The master plan is therefore to get the inmates on board and allow the trustees to follow. Nice theory, not so nice to put into practice as he is up against a rancid, but self policing establishment from day one.
Watch out for Wilford Brimley as "Rogers" - a later teaming up with Redford took place in the outstanding "The Natural", with Brimley starring in a major role as the jaundiced, downtrodden, Pop Fisher.
- freemanist
- Feb 26, 2005
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Details
Box office
- Budget
- $7,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $37,121,708
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $2,748,079
- Jun 22, 1980
- Gross worldwide
- $37,121,708