1,000 Convicts and a Woman

Director: Ray Austin
Actors: Alexandra Hay, Sandor Elès, Harry Baird
PlotIn a remote and harsh English prison, tensions simmer as the monotony of daily life begins to wear on the inmates. The prison is tightly controlled by its warden, who rules with an iron fist. A wave of unrest brews among the prisoners, largely driven by a group of ringleaders who grow increasingly frustrated with their confinement. The arrival of two outsiders—a young, spirited American woman named Angela, visiting her uncle the warden, and a newly appointed compassionate prison officer—complicates the balance of power within the institution. Angela represents a stark contrast to the prison’s grim atmosphere, her vibrant presence a source of intrigue and distraction for both prisoners and guards. She unintentionally becomes the focal point of the prisoners’ attention, as her presence incites hope and a longing for connection in those who have been deprived for so long.
As relationships form and tensions rise, Angela finds herself caught between her uncle's desire to maintain order and the inmates’ escalating plans to challenge the oppressive authority. Amidst this tension, alliances shift, secret plans are hatched, and motivations become increasingly complex. Characters reveal hidden depths as long-buried grievances surface, bringing underlying conflicts to a head. Angela is reluctantly drawn deeper into the web of schemes, her role becoming crucial as both factions prepare for a confrontation that could upend the rigid structure of the prison. The film delves into themes of humanity, authority, and rebellion, with each character navigating their own path amidst mounting uncertainty and potential upheaval.
Writers: Oscar Brodney
Release Date: 01 Oct 1971
Runtime: 92 min
Rating: R
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Physical Media Reviews
A dated yet charmingly British film, 1,000 Convicts and a Woman is visually impressive on Blu-ray, with clear audio and insightful special features.