Cool Hand Luke
1967  NR  DRAMA  2h 6min
CAST— Paul Newman, George Kennedy, J. D. Cannon, Robert Drivas, Lou Antonio, Strother Martin, Jo Van Fleet
MUSIC— Lalo Schifrin  DIRECTOR— Stuart Rosenberg  BASED ON— Cool Hand Luke (novel), by Donn Pearce

     When the going gets tough play it cool. That’s what Luke does and he seems to be doing just fine. Then again, he is in prison… Paul Newman plays Luke, a likable, easy-going guy with sharp instincts and what is dubbed “that Luke smile”. He’s sent up the river for two years and spends his time on a chain gang in a prison work camp. But life isn’t all hard work; he also makes a few comrades in his fellow inmates. But, due to various escape attempts, he makes some powerful enemies of the warden and his minions. A fine drama with brief glimpses of comedy, tragedy and suspense add up to a classic that stands the test of time, despite various imitations. Oscar-winner for Best Supporting Actor (George Kennedy). Deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress National Film Registry.
OUR RATING— ***