Cool Hand Luke

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Cool Hand Luke (1-Nov-1967)

Writers: Donn Pearce; Frank R. Pierson

From novel: Cool Hand Luke by Donn Pearce

Name Occupation Birth Death Known for

Luke Askew Actor 1937 Easy Rider

Dennis Hopper Actor 17-May-1936 Apocalypse Now

Clifton James Actor 29-May-1921 Sheriff J. W. Pepper

George Kennedy Actor 18-Feb-1925 Airport, Naked Gun

Strother Martin Actor 26-Mar-1919 1-Aug-1980 Cool Hand Luke

Paul Newman Actor 26-Jan-1925 26-Sep-2008 Salad dressing magnate

Wayne Rogers Actor 7-Apr-1933 Trapper John on M*A*S*H

Harry Dean Stanton Actor 14-Jul-1926 Bathrobe-clad actor from Repo Man

Jo Van Fleet Actor 30-Dec-1914 10-Jun-1996 East of Eden

Ralph Waite Actor 22-Jun-1928 John Walton, Sr. on The Waltons

Morgan Woodward Actor 16-Sep-1925 Punk Anderson on Dallas

Anthony Zerbe Actor 20-May-1936 Dog boy in Cool Hand Luke

CAST

Paul Newman ... Luke
George Kennedy ... Dragline
J. D. Cannon ... Society Red
Lou Antonio ... Koko
Robert Drivas ... Loudmouth Steve
Strother Martin ... Captain
Jo Van Fleet ... Arletta
Clifton James ... Carr
Morgan Woodward ... Boss Godfrey
Luke Askew ... Boss Paul
Marc Cavell ... Rabbitt
Richard Davalos ... Blind Dick
Robert Donner ... Boss Shorty
Warren Finnerty ... Tattoo
Dennis Hopper ... Babalugats
John McLiam ... Boss Kean
Wayne Rogers ... Gambler
Harry Dean Stanton ... Tramp
Charles Tyner ... Boss Higgins
Ralph Waite ... Alibi
Anthony Zerbe ... Dog Boy
Buck Kartalian ... Dynamite
Joy Harmon ... The Girl

REVIEWS

Review by Gary Page (posted on 16-Nov-2007)

To paraphrase Strother Martin's prison captain character in the movie, "What we ain't got here is failure to communicate!" This film stands at the top of stairs and looks out over the also-rans for 1967. Paul Newman is at his best as a likable, street-wise, normal guy that was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sentenced to a southern chain gang for destroying municipal property while intoxicated, Luke finds himself the center of the work farm focus as he tries to remain normal in a very abnormal setting. From his focused and convincing bluff in poker (which earned him the nickname, "Cool Hand"), to his numerous attempts of escape from prison, Cool Hand Luke shows all of us the true meaning of perseverance. George Kennedy and Strother Martin add their strong supporting roles to a gem by Newman in this entertaining, poignant, and in-depth look at one man's view of freedom and individuality. A definate four star film that is equal to any of Newman's best efforts.

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