Prison: Behind the BarsFirst comes trial, then comes guilty, then comes sentencing to years locked away with people even more dangerous than you are. Join us on a whirlwind tour of prison!
October 18, 2021 1.8K votes 462 voters 31.1K views
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Vote up the details you never noticed before.
A prison makes an excellent film setting. Considering that prisons are full of morally problematic people who must rely on themselves and others to survive their sentences, cinematic essentials like conflict, a supporting cast, and character development are automatic. That's a big reason why so many of the best films take place in prisons.
As such, check out the following details that fans found in movies that take place in prisons or similar facilities.
1
413 VOTES
In 'The Shawshank Redemption,' Red's Old Mugshot Photo Is Actually Morgan Freeman's Son
As a few Redditors have pointed out, the mugshot of Red when he was a young man doesn't show Morgan Freeman, but Morgan Freeman's son, Alfonso. Alfonso also plays the prisoner who yells "fresh fish" when Andy arrives at prison.
413 votes
2
61 VOTES
Coffey Receives A Gift That Symbolizes His Abilities
In The Green Mile (1999), Melinda gives John Coffey a Saint Christopher medallion after he heals her tumor. According to Christian tradition, Saint Christopher was a physically imposing man who devoted his life to helping others, and died trying to carry the sins of humanity - just like John.
61 votes
3
307 VOTES
The Only Time Brooks Smiles After He Leaves Prison In 'The Shawshank Redemption' Is Before He Hangs Himself
According to Redditor u/tenors108, Brooks smiles because the "camera angle makes him feel like he is behind bars again, which brings him the comfort he lacked outside prison." Redditor u/killerroo220 added that "on the scene where he’s on the bus, the eyeliner of every other passenger is looking away from him, showing how alone he is outside of prison."
307 votes
4
246 VOTES
'The Green Mile' Is Set In 1935 Instead Of 1932 Like In The Book
According to Redditor u/liavz123, "the timeframe was bumped to 1935 so that the movie Top Hat (1935) could be featured." Top Hat is a legendary musical starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
246 votes
5
270 VOTES
In 'The Shawshank Redemption,' Andy's Rock Hammer Is Hidden In The Bible's Book Of Exodus
In Exodus, the Israelites escape from Egypt; in The Shawshank Redemption, Andy uses the rock hammer to escape from prison. This connection was not lost on many Redditors.
270 votes
6
114 VOTES
In 'The Great Escape,' An Offhand Comment About A Church Choir Foreshadows One Of The Main Tactics Used By The Escapees
Redditor u/Krillin_irl explained that "near the beginning of the movie when discussing possible distractions, one of the characters mentions a 'church choir' offhandedly. Later, they actually employ church choir as a distraction." The Great Escape concerns a group of POWs that escape from a camp using a variety of methods.
