Mr.Crow
I wouldn't really call this a women in prison movie. I mean it is, on the surface, but it's more focused as a drama of what goes on in the cells. If you're expecting a sleazefest then you will be sadly disappointed. There is no zanny action scenes like in some woman prison movies either. If you do end up trying to take the film seriously it opens itself up for numerous potholes. I do admire that it tried to be something different for the genre, however for me it just falls flat.
Woodyanders
Sweet young Elizabeth (a fine and sympathetic performance by Tracey E. Bregman) gets sent to a brutal women's penitentiary after she gets caught carrying coke for no-count drug dealer boyfriend Danny (a nicely slimy turn by Peter Brown). While behind bars Elizabeth runs afoul of both ruthless top con Cat (a deliciously vicious and predatory portrayal by Barbara Luna) and stern corrupt warden Fletcher (well played with cold conviction by Jill St. John). Director Tom DeSimone not only keeps the compelling story moving at a constant pace and stages a few exciting cat fights with aplomb, but also offers a gritty tone along with a pretty grim and fairly realistic depiction of the harsh world of prison that for the most part avoids the more trashy and exploitative aspects of the babes-behind-bars genre. Bregman makes for an appealing wide-eyed innocent heroine who becomes tougher and smarter as the plot unfolds; she receives sturdy support from June Barrett as the lethal Icy, Aimee Eccles as the mean Spider, Sondra Currie as the friendly Katherine, Robert Miano as loathsome rapist guard Stone, Niki Dantine as pathetic junkie Margo, and Nita Talbot as earnest social worker Shelly Meyers. Andrew W. Friend's slick cinematography provides an impressive polished look. A sold and satisfying little B-flick.
oprlvr33
I remember watching this on HBO back in the mid-80's. I thought Tracey E Bregman (who apparently took a summer break from Young & Restless) was mostly believable as Elizabeth. I say 'mostly' because there were moments she is just too glamorous to be believable as the hard-luck prisoner. Barbara Luna is quite notable as QueenBee "Cat"; a role she was almost born to play. Jill St. John mostly skirted around her warden role, in which I gave a C+ rating, if that. The best performances, ironically, were the female prisoners, and Robert Miano (Stone).I had been a young fan of U.K.'s 1970's series, 'Prisoner, Cell-Block-H'. While I don't compare this film to that series, some of the action bears reflection on surreal existence within actual prison life.
kamikaze-4
Alternately boring and sleazy, the Concrete Jungle commits the unpardonable sin of taking itself too seriously. But what a cast! You have Tracey Bregman as the new fish Cherry; an innocent young woman framed for drug smuggling by her nefarious boyfriend, Peter Brown. Then there is Jill St. John as evil warden Fletcher. Let's not forget Barbara Luna as the queen bee. Of course, Camille Keaton reprises her rape victim role from I Spit on Your Grave as well as Kendall Kaldwell as Eyes the mean corrections officer. With Nita Talbot as the concerned social worker, Shelly Meyers assuring us a happy ending for all involved. Also if you look closely, you will recognize, Tiana Pierce from Mother's Day as well as Forms Karate champ, Karen Sheperd billed as Kung Fu. Oh well, at least it was a better billing than the woman credited as "Blimp" Followed by the sleazy homage to boom mikes everywhere, Chained Heat and it's insipid in name only follow-ups, Chained Heat 2 and Chained Heat 3: Devil's Mountain
AD
