Murder in the First

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Murder in the First

R

Released Jan 20, 1995

2h 2m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

54%

Tomatometer

39 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

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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Anthony Lane

The 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

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Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: C-

Sep 7, 2011

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Rick Groen

Globe and Mail

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

Apr 12, 2002

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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

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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

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Sarah Wenk

Common Sense Media

Moving story of justice but too intense for kids.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 2, 2011

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Alex H

This film is one of my all time favourites. I just don't understand the low scores. There is everything here, including action, tenderness, violence, a moving score, friendship, hatred, high emotion, shocking cruelty and on and on. As courtroom dramas go, this is among the best of the genre and is woefully underrated and unknown.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/05/24

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Audience Member

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

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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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
Producer: Marc Frydman, Mark Wolper
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
Runtime: 2h 2m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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