Cast
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David Carradine
as Bernard 'Bernie' Paul Coy
Richard Dysart
as Warden James Johnston
Dennis Farina
as Robert Stroud
Charles Haid
as Sam Shockley
Howard Hesseman
as Joseph 'Dutch' Cretzer
David Morse
as Marvin Hubbard
Jan-Michael Vincent
as Miran 'Buddy' Thompson
Paul Sanchez
as Dan Durando
John Mahon
as Officer Bill Miller
J.P. Bumstead
as Officer Corwin
Tom Reese
as Capt. Weinhold
Ian Patrick Williams
as Lt. Bergen
Lee Anthony
as Lt. Simpson
Scanlon Gail
as Officer Baker
Eric Server
as Officer Lageson
Crew
Director
- Paul Wendkos
Producer
- Terry Carr
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Six Against the Rock examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Paul Wendkos brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1987, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Six Against the Rock took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 123 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1757 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 78 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Six Against the Rock shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Point of No Return, which focuses more on action than character development, Six Against the Rock offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Half Nelson and Money Talks explore similar territory, Six Against the Rock stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 18, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 36m
