There Was a Crooked Man...
Seen it?1970 | 123 min | Western
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (82% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for most people. If you loved The Harder They Fall or Hang 'em High, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Easygoing.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 2 hr 3 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Made in 1970: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
A charming but ruthless criminal is sent to a remote Arizona prison, where he enlists the help of his cellmates in an escape attempt with the promise of sharing his hidden loot.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
82% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.8 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 30K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing
Trailer
More like this
The Harder They Fall
Saturday SpecialAnother prison western, and a Saturday Special.
Hang 'em High Saturday SpecialAnother prison western, and a Saturday Special.
Breakheart Pass
Weeknight WatchAnother prison western, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Ain't Them Bodies Saints Sunday Safe BetAnother prison film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Friday Night FlickAnother western, and a Friday Night Flick.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz
- Kirk DouglasParis Pitman, Jr.
- Henry FondaWoodward W. Lopeman
- Hume CronynDudley Whinner
- Warren OatesFloyd Moon
- Burgess MeredithThe Missouri Kid
- John RandolphCyrus McNutt
- Lee GrantMrs. Bullard
- Arthur O'ConnellMr. Lomax
- Martin GabelWarden LeGoff
- Michael BlodgettCoy Cavendish