If it were made today the prison would be much different and the prisoners probably would as well. Yet I wonder which representation would more accurately reflect reality. We are so used to seeing prisoners as cruel, heartless, in a certain mold, yet would they all be that way in a chain gang? The character of Luke is one of the all-time greats, no matter what. It was wonderful seeing this film again.
An added bonus. There was a rally outside the county building from 4 - 7, an anti-Bush rally, "Disgrace of the Union". Many of the participants in that rally trekked across the street to see the film, so the line was much longer than usual. The Fremont, though, is a big theater. We easily fit.