Murder in the First
The trial that brought down Alcatraz
Overview
A young, inexperienced public defender is assigned to defend an inmate accused of committing murder while behind bars.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Set against the backdrop of the 1950s San Francisco Bay Area, the movie sheds light on the societal shifts and challenges during this period, including racial tensions and the fight for civil rights.
- Compelling courtroom drama with gripping performances by Kevin Bacon and Kate Reid, particularly notable for their emotional depth.
- Engaging plot that skillfully intertwines multiple narratives, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
- Explores complex themes of justice, morality, and the human cost of pursuing truth.
Fun Facts
- The film was based on a true story about one of the longest-running murder trials in American history - The Mooredale Fillette case.
- Director Les Mayfield had a cameo appearance as the judge presiding over the trial.
- The courtroom sequences were filmed at the historic Federal Building and United States Courthouse in San Francisco.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"The trial that brought down Alcatraz"
Deutsch
DE
Title: Murder in the First - Lebenslang Alcatraz
""
Italiano
IT
Title: L'isola dell'ingiustizia - Alcatraz
"Il processo che ha fatto crollare Alcatraz"
Français
FR
Title: Meurtre à Alcatraz
"L' un rompit le silence..... L'autre brisa le système."
Español
ES
Title: Homicidio en primer grado
""
Português
PT
Title: O Condenado de Alcatraz
"O julgamento que derrubou Alcatraz"
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
_**Life on Alcatraz in the 30s and early 40s**_
A young lawyer (Christian Slater) defends an inmate of Alcatraz (Kevin Bacon) accused of murder in 1941, but argues that the cruel treatment in the notorious prison is what drove him to it. Gary Oldman plays the heartless Warden (technically associate Warden) while R. Lee Ermey is on hand as the judge.
"Murder in the First" (1995) is a prison/courtroom drama that says its “inspired by true events,” which means it’s NOT a biography of the real Henri Young, but rather uses Young’s basic story as a microcosm for unveiling several of Alcatraz’ dubious and inhumane doings during the 30s. Look up the real history after viewing the movie, yet not just Young’s story and the trial, but also the ‘Dungeon’ and how prisoners were treated in solitary confinement during the early years of that infamous ‘Rock.’
The movie successfully brings the viewer back to the 30s and early 40s, but the filmmakers laid it on too thick in regards to how ee-vil the prison authorities are, not to mention how supposedly innocent Young is (he wasn't), which smacks of agenda. But, like I said, Young _represented_ several issues/cases at Alcatraz, so it can be overlooked.
Nevertheless, this is cut from the same cloth as “The Shawshank Redemption,” the surprise hit from a year earlier (not that it was a hit at first, but it eventually became one). I’m not saying “Murder in the First” is as good but, if you liked “Shawshank,” you’ll probably appreciate it.
Embeth Davidtz, Kyra Sedgwick and Mia Kirshner show up on the feminine front. Davidtz really shines in the biggest role of the three.
The film runs 2 hours, 2 minutes, and was shot in San Francisco & Alcatraz Island with the courtroom scenes done at Triscenic Production Services Inc. in Los Angeles area.
GRADE: B-
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar