The Washington Post
"Murder In the First," which is "inspired" by the real case of Alcatraz prisoner Henri Young, is well-researched entertainment, as opposed to, say, history.
Full review
Murder in the First
Inspired by a true story, Kevin Bacon stars in this crime drama as a man sent to Alcatraz for stealing five dollars. When a failed prison escape puts him in solitary confinement for more than three years, he ends up killing his cell mate shortly after. Co-stars Christian Slater as an idealistic young attorney trying to stop his tortured client from getting the death penalty.
1995Rating: MA15+, Strong violence and themes122 minsUSA, France
DramaThriller
- Director:
- Marc Rocco ('Where the Day Takes You', 'Dream a Little Dream')
- Writer:
- Dan Gordon
- Cast:
- Christian SlaterKevin BaconGary OldmanEmbeth Davidtz
Murder in the First / Reviews
Rolling Stone
More than likely you will forgive the compromises — the story of Henri Young needed to be told.
Full reviewRoger Ebert
Slater, who in certain shots looks curiously like Kevin Costner, is an actor with talent, but he is too young for this role, and not confident enough to dial down a little.
Full review
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