Murder in the First

R

Released Jan 20, 1995

2 hr. 2 min.

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

List

54%

39 Reviews

Tomatometer

79%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Henry, a small-time criminal sent to Alcatraz, is caught attempting to escape and as punishment, he's put in solitary confinement. Instead of staying the maximum nineteen days, he is kept alone, in the cold and complete darkness for years, only to emerge a madman and a murderer. It's a rookie lawyer who proves Alcatraz is to blame, and that Henry should not be executed.

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Critics Consensus

Despite a strong cast and story inspired by incredible real-life events, Murder in the First is strictly second rate.

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John K

Great movie and great acting , can't understand how anyone can say it's a bad movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/23/23

Full Review

Ashley H

Murder in the First is a terrific film. It is about a young attorney who defends an Alcatraz prisoner accused of murdering a fellow inmate. Christian Slater and Kevin Bacon give fantastic performances. The script is good but a little slow in places. Marc Rocco did a great job directing this movie. I enjoyed watching this motion picture because of the drama.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

Full Review

jelisije j

A movie that is loosely based on a true story about a prisoner who was overly abused in Alcatraz prison. Its a good watch to help learn about Alcatraz prison, but not the most faithful adaption either.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Shioka O

Strong performance by Kevin Bacon, it's so compelling, but almost hard to see it. Reminds me "Midnight Express". Not for entertainment.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

12/01/22

Full Review

Audience Member

The greatest 02 hours: and 02 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

Full Review

robert r

Drab and basic, "Murder In The First" represents the epitome of that sort of film that thinks itself a prestige picture gunning for a nomination in every category at the Academy Awards when in reality it's just empty and thin in nearly every regard. Trying to be high-minded and kind-hearted, the film fairly trains its crosshairs upon the American prison system, opening up a number of thought-provoking moral dilemmas and pleas for change. This all shreds to tatters upon just a cursory glance at the true events that inspired this movie, however, as you learn that not only is this entire thing a complete bastardization of the actual events in question, but totally neglectful of actual events that could have made for a much more interesting movie altogether. As much as I appreciated the scene-chewery from Kevin Bacon in this one, there's really next to nothing beyond that. A real shame.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Marc Rocco

Director

Christian Slater

James Stamphill

Kevin Bacon

Henri Young

Gary Oldman

Milton Glenn

Embeth Davidtz

Mary McCasslin

William H. Macy

District Attorney William McNeil

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Anthony Lane

New Yorker

Playing the hero of an issues movie (and this one is dripping with issues) is usually a thankless task, but Slater carries this one with ease.

Nov 7, 2022

Full Review

Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: C-

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

Rick Groen

Globe and Mail

The figures are right, the investment looks good, but the emotional pay-off is minimal.

Apr 12, 2002

Full Review

Sheila Reid

Women in the Life

It’s depressing, it’s dark and dingy and so far it’s the strongest set of performances on the big screen this year.

May 16, 2022

Full Review

Mal Vincent

The Virginian-Pilot

See this only for Bacon's compelling performance. Factual or not, he creates a moving portrait of a young man who never had a chance.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 2, 2022

Full Review

Sarah Wenk

Common Sense Media

Moving story of justice but too intense for kids.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 2, 2011

Full Review

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Synopsis

Henry, a small-time criminal sent to Alcatraz, is caught attempting to escape and as punishment, he's put in solitary confinement. Instead of staying the maximum nineteen days, he is kept alone, in the cold and complete darkness for years, only to emerge a madman and a murderer. It's a rookie lawyer who proves Alcatraz is to blame, and that Henry should not be executed.

Director: Marc Rocco
Executive Producer: David L. Wolper, Marc Rocco
Screenwriter: Dan Gordon
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Warner Bros., Canal+
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 20, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2009
Box Office (Gross USA): $16.1M
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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