Terror in Block C

When one of her parolees is killed in prison, "Sandra Parker" (Lois Nettleton) decides to investigate by going into the prison disguised as a convict under the name of "Sally Porter". The only person who knows of her ruse is her fellow parole officer "Helen Anderson" (Penny Fuller). Unfortunately, Helen is killed in the line of duty and nobody else is aware of Sandra's plan. So now she has to contend with a sadistic chief matron named "Claire Tyson" (Ida Lupino) who has developed an intense dislike for her. To help the chief matron are two informants named "Dee Dee" (Jessica Walter) and "Leila" (Barbara Luna). Anyway, rather than divulge what happens next I will just say that this was very suspenseful for a made-for-television movie. Naturally, there is no nudity or graphic language due to the restrictive format. However, the acting and the storyline were both top-notch and everything seems to flow together quite well. Definitely worth a watch.

One of those made for TV movies of the week. Campy fun, just don't take it too seriously. Lois Nettleton as a parole agent who goes undercover in a women's prison to investigate brutality. Of course, once she's inside her friend (who is the only one who knows who she really is) is killed, leaving her to fight for her life. Ida Lupino gives an over the top performance as a "butch" prison matron who gets her thrills beating up the inmates. Very entertaining movie if you like unbelievable fare and performers who have fun with their roles. I wish there was a cable channel showing these made-for-TV flicks, they were quite memorable.

I would say it's a mix up between WOMEN'S PRISON and BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT. Not less. Take the topic: A female probation officer decides to watch prison system first hand. So, she arranges fake identity with the help of a girl friend of hers - the ONLY person who is aware of that situation. The probation officer actually wants to denounce the "inside" system: brutality, violence, sadistic behaviors, and not only from the inmates...

And, of course, as in WOMEN's PRISON, 18 years earlier, we can find Ida Lupino again, in a sadistic warden character. What a delight !!!

I will not insist on the first rate strength of this movie about inside daily life. As many films of this kind, it's very realistic, fierce but poignant too. Characters are outstanding. I am also pleased to find Jessica Walter, I knew through PLAY MISTY FOR ME. Remember, the waco girl who was in love with Clint Eastwood...

And the link between the feature and Fritz Lang's masterpiece: BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT is the fact that a person - Dana Andrews for instance in Lang's film - wants to denounce something - death penalty for BEYOND... - and the the only person who can testify of his try dies.

So...

For God's sake, don't miss this terrific TV movie. You won't regret it.

I have waited a long time to re-watch this film and it is certainly as good and campy as I remembered it!! I have no idea (yet some idea) what makes this TV Movie of the Week stand out, but it does...as well as some others. Anyone else remember Five Desperate Women? or Weekend of Terror? or The Screaming Woman? or Bad Ronald? What happened to "fun" ABC-TV Movies-of-the-Week like these? These film styles should be revitalized and introduced to the new generation of "bad taste" watchers who pay $10 a film for bad acting and "modified camp" films from one-hit-wonder singers, teenage bimbo "superstars," and wannabe-actor/rap artists. Can't you see J Lo and Eminem and Nelly together in some loopy Made-for-TV or Lifetime movie re-make of "The Philadelphia Story"? Anyway "WIC" is a must see for several reasons, so see it!!

The one thing I will say about Women in Chains: Lois Nettleton's performance was powerful. I look forward to seeing it again. And again. Ida Lupino, Belinda Montgomery, don't miss them!