Cast
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Johnny Desmond
as Mike Gilbert
Richard Devon
as Roy Gruber
Roy Engel
as Hap
Ken Christy
as Curly Gruber
William Bryant
as Richie
Merry Anders
as Robbie
Larry J. Blake
as Hap's Lead Henchman
Paul Bryar
as Mr. Lang
Don Devlin
as Undetermined Role [IMDb name: "Piggy"]
Dean Fredericks
as Hap's Henchman Jerry
Victor Millan
as Lawyer Mendez
Peggy Maley
as Georgia Gilbert
Dennis Moore
as Police Sgt. at Headquarters
Tris Coffin
as Detective Lieutenant at Headquarters
Crew
Director
- Fred F. Sears
Writer
- Bernard Gordon
Producer
- Sam Katzman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Escape from San Quentin represents a fascinating example of Crime cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Fred F. Sears 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1957, 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 Escape from San Quentin took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 81 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 123 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 138 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 52 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1957, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Escape from San Quentin shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Night in Paradise, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Escape from San Quentin subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Key Largo and Fabricated City explore similar territory, Escape from San Quentin stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 1, 1957
- Runtime: 1h 21m
