Riot in Cell Block 11

In December 1951, distinguished Hollywood producer Walter Wanger caused a scandal when, in a fit of jealousy, he wounded talent agent Jennings Lang, whom he suspected of having an affair with his then wife, actress Joan Bennett, by shooting him twice. Fortunately Lang was not seriously hurt, and Wanger was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment for his act. As it turned out, this experience had a great influence on the director, and two years later it resulted in the impressive prison drama Riot in Cell Block 11. The film, directed by action drama specialist Don Siegel, engages the viewer’s attention with its uncompromising, direct style and high level of violence, as well as its urgent criticism of the conditions of life behind the prison walls. Siegel’s crew operated in the premises of Folsom State Prison in California, and the use of actual convicts and prison officers in episodic roles also contributed to strengthening the authentic impression. (Noir Film Festival)