Longest Yard

In this rough-and tumble movie, actually filmed on-location at the Georgia State Prison, the cons are the heroes and the guards are the heavies. Eddie Albert is the sadistic warden who'll gladly make any sacrifice to push his guards' semi-pro football team to the national championship. Burt Reynolds plays one-time pro quarterback Paul Crewe, now behind bars for leading State Police on a wild chase in a “borrowed car” and more.

He agrees to organise a prisoners' team to play the guards. The warden intercedes to assure that his goon squad will meet only passive resistance from Crewe's “Mean Machine.” But the license to pound on their hated guards is a big incentive for murderers and thieves to learn strategy.

Critic Reviews:

• " An outstanding action drama, combining the brutish excitement of football competition with the brutalities of contemporary prison life. " – Variety Staff

• " Aldrich's film is most alive during the team recruitment scenes. " – Nick Schager

• " The original has just the right mix of toughness and humor. Burt Reynolds was born to play incarcerated quarterback Paul Crewe. " – Chuck O'Leary