Review of Convicts (1991) by Michael B — 14 Apr 2012

Just saw this movie again. It's not easy to watch, as it is a bit odd, but also portrays a segment of our history that is uncomfortable to see portrayed, as it should. The tragic thing is that other than having Robert Duvall be a Confederate veteran, this movie could occur at least 30 years later, when Southern blacks, and some whites, were railroaded into a prison system that made chattel slavery look desirable.

Props to Horton Foote for writing about this subject and for the studio having the courage to release a picture covering this shameful episode in our history. This is a tale worthy of Faulkner, and I'm amazed that the film was even made.