Murder in the First
Seen it?1995 | 122 min | Crime, Drama
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With middling reviews (50% on Rotten Tomatoes), it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans. If you loved Sleepers or Birdman of Alcatraz, start here. Audiences love it more than critics do: a crowd-pleaser first.
- The mood
- Dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 2 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect violence.
- Critics were cooler on it than audiences.
A young, inexperienced public defender is assigned to defend an inmate accused of committing murder while behind bars.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
50% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Won 1 Critics' Choice Award: Best Actor. Also nominated for 1 SAG Award.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$30 million worldwide on a $20 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 72K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Sleepers
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Felon
Sunday Safe BetAnother prison crime drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Birdman of Alcatraz Saturday SpecialAnother prison crime drama that's easy to miss.
The Mauritanian Sunday Safe BetAnother prison drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Escape from Alcatraz
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed prison drama.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Marc Rocco
- Christian SlaterJames Stamphill
- Kevin BaconHenri Young
- Gary OldmanAssociate Milton Glenn
- Embeth DavidtzMary McCasslin
- William H. MacyBill McNeill
- Stephen TobolowskyMr. Henkin
- Brad DourifByron Stamphill
- Kyra SedgwickBlanche
- Mia KirshnerRosetta Young
- R. Lee ErmeyJudge Clawson