Cellule des condamnés

Oh man, I saw this when I was about 9 at hotel somewhere in Pennsylvania (this was in 1977!) and the thing that haunted me for years, years!! - was the image of Alan Alda strapped into the gas chamber and being executed.

The admonition of the guard to 'breathe deeply, it'll be easier' was so chilling that I can remember it to this day! I've never seen the movie since but those images are so vivid I can't forget them!

On a political note, it makes you think about capital punishment and whether or not you're for or against it, it does spark a debate on how punishment is administered.

Alan Alda is no Hawkeye here, playing real-life Caryl Chessman who got a dozen or reprieves from the death penalty. Alan was at the height of his M*A*S*H celebrity when he decided to perform in this incredibly daring role. Kind of like David Schwimmer playing this type of role. In fact, a reboot is called for, and I nominate Matt LeBlanc to play Caryl Chessman.

I saw this movie many years ago and have been trying to find it in video form ever since. Caryl Chessman was an amazing man. He did everything he could to proclaim his was innocent, and finally got what he wanted, but too late! I found it heartwarming in that the truth will prevail even though it may come late as in the instance of Caryl, and tragic because he was an innocent man who wrongly faced the death penalty and was sent to the electric chair. It actually had me on the edge of my seat so many times as I was convinced of his innocence.Alan Alda has played some great roles in the past and after this movie and in my opinion he did the character of Caryl Chessman justice. The most memorable movie I have ever seen. I will continue to find a copy of this movie and I also want his book.

Alan Alda's super performance dominates this story of Caryl Chessman, who was arrested in Los Angeles in 1948 as the Red-Light Bandit. Flashing a red light resembling that used by the police, the "Bandit" would approach victims parked in lonely spots to rob the men and rape the women. Chessman spent 12 years on death row due to many counts of robbery, kidnapping and rape. After writing four books from Cell 2455, Chessman was executed in San Quentin's gas chamber in 1960. Alda conveyed the cockiness and arrogance of the convicted rapist who always exclaimed his innocence.

Sometimes a little sluggish at two hours, but interesting due to the uncanny portrayal by Alda. Also in the cast are:Talia Shire, James Sikking and John Hillerman. Above average crime drama.

I have read some drivel in my time but the comment of this movie and the header page is full of absolute crap! Obviously this person has no idea about this story at all! HE WAS INNOCENT! Yes this is a true story and the reason its great, apart from the acting, is because of the complete unjustness of the whole "Capital Punishment System" IT DOESN'T WORK! How the hell are you going to pay restitution to someone who is dead.....god you make me bloody angry. Get a grip, get your facts right, and let this be a lesson, 12 years on death row...????? if your innocent is ridiculous, you want to know what else is ridiculous. Your suppose to proved guilty beyond reasonable doubt. If there is no reasonable doubt then he should have been there one day whilst they set the damn electric chair up then did the deed....SEEMS TO ME 12 YEARS MEANS THERE IS A HELL OF A lot OF REASONABLE DOUBT. He should never have been given the death penalty at all.....No one should you bloody red neck!