Riot
Riot
A riot in a state prison is staged to cover up an escape attempt, during which many inmates and guards are killed. Shot on location at Arizona State Prison.
匚卂尺ㄥ reviewedMarch 19, 2025
RIOT is a 1969 shoestring B production that looks like a made for TV time-passer with Jim Brown at the top of his game, and Gene Hackman, fresh from his small but eye-catching part in BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967) on his way up, with stardom assured two years later as copper Popeye Doyle in FRENCH CONNECTION. The two men had already appeared together in THE SPLIT (1968)
Substandard photography does not hurt the film, rather adding to its credibility as a tale about a breakout from a dingy jail with inhuman guards. Good singing from Bill Medley - great voice - as part of somewhat uneven score. Generally effective dialogue ahead of its time by including gay prisoners, shocking ending.
Competent direction from William Castle, who made his name in horror movies but does a competent job with RIOT. 7/10.