Cool Hand Luke

A decorated war veteran is arrested for mindlessly vandalizing parking meters while drunk and is sentenced to a chain gang in a Southern prison. Under the oppressive heat and brutal labor, he quickly becomes an icon of cool defiance among the inmates. His unbreakable will and penchant for escaping earn him the nickname given by his fellow prisoners. The prison guards and the warden, however, are determined to crush his spirit and maintain the strict control and order of the institution.

Through a series of escape attempts and punishments, the protagonist becomes a symbol of resistance and hope for the other inmates, inspiring them to endure the harsh conditions. His repeated acts of rebellion, ranging from petty insubordination to outright escape, infuriate the prison officials and lead to an escalating series of retaliations from the sadistic Captain and his subordinates. Despite facing solitary confinement and physical torment, his resolve only strengthens, further cementing his status as a leader and legend among the prisoners.