I cannot recall the first time that I viewed this film nor can I recall how many times I have seen it...quite a few over the years. Simply, "Cool Hand Luke" is my favorite movie. Combine a screenplay about a prison chain gang in the deep south, with Paul Newman playing the part of a sly, resourceful inmate bent on escape, and you have the ingredients of a masterpiece. By the way: Luke is incarcerated for cutting the tops off of parking meters. Why? You never quite find out! Luke is a complex character who always seems to be in conflict with himself as well as all authority. He's certainly not a good role model, but everyone would want to be somewhat like him in a few ways. He earns the respect of his fellow inmates while conversely earning the enmity of the captain and the guards. "What we have here... is failure to communicate" is the classic line spoken by Newman's co-star Strother Martin in one of the most powerful scenes. That could very well be the theme of this movie. "Cool Hand Luke" contains all of the ingredients of a fine film: good plot, conflict, drama, tragedy, and humor. The cast is one of the best ever assembled for this type of subject mattter. George Kennedy and Ralph Waite are other notable actors with prominent roles. For those concerned about mature content, it is pleasing to report that there is no foul language. There is violence but not graphic by today's standards. I looked for this DVD in stores all around my area before finding it on Ebay. It will certainly be used often as I never tire of the superb acting and memorable scenes- a true movie classic. If you have not seen "Cool Hand Luke" I highly recommend it. Do you want to know if anyone can eat 50 boiled eggs in one hour? Buy the movie! James LythgoeRead full review
This film is a classic. Paul Newman is Lucas "Luke" Jackson, a social misfit. He is a natural born showoff who gets into trouble in the South. His crime is minor, but he gets sentenced to a prison chain gang. Southern prisons were not the same as Northern ones. Many were located in swamps without walls or barbed wire, but with alligators, snakes, and quicksand. In some of these places, if you escaped, you had a much greater chance of dying than being caught. In many cases if yoy were caught, they just killed you. Luke liked being slick. He was defiant towards authority, and that made him popular. His smart attitude and defiant personality, earned him the name "Cool Hand". He kept trying to run, and kept getting caught, until eventually, they just weren't interested in bringing him back. Instead, since they couldn't break him, they just quit trying and killed him. This was an enjoyable movie, and most people are pulling for him to get away, but the truth is, if he had just behaved himself, he would have been out in a couple of years. He was just too stupid!Read full review
An excellent 1967 movie that I have seen many times. I just had to have a copy for my collection. Paul Newman stars as Luke, in a cast of many big name supporting actors. Prisoners, in a southern chain gang prison, in a story with twists and turns. I can't wait to watch it again.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
DVD arrived in great shape and sealed. Haven't watched it yet. I bought it because it was one of my favorites from the first time I saw it at a move theatre in the late '60's. Great flick!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
If one has not been given "spoiler alerts", the movie keeps you wondering what will happen next! I never saw this movie before and only read plot summaries, so was delightfully entertained.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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