Die Kampfmaschine (1974)
19KDie Kampfmaschine: Directed by Robert Aldrich. With Burt Reynolds, Eddie Albert, Ed Lauter, Michael Conrad. A sadistic warden asks a former pro quarterback, now serving time in his prison, to put together a team of inmates to take on (and get pummeled by) the guards.
“Bitter former football player Paul Crewe (Burt Reynolds) gets into a physical fight with his girlfriend and gets sent to prison. Everybody dismisses Crewe for suspected point shaving. Warden Hazen (Eddie Albert) manages a semi-pro football team of prison guards. Captain Knauer (Ed Lauter) leads the team and orders Crewe from joining. Hazen is not happy with Knaueru0026#39;s result. Crewe reluctantly agrees to organize a prisoners team and play an exhibition game.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI donu0026#39;t mind the Adam Sandler version but itu0026#39;s nothing great. This version is so much better. It is darker. Itu0026#39;s not as jokey but the black comedy hits so much harder. It starts dark with Crewe hitting his girlfriend. At first, it doesnu0026#39;t even seem like a comedy except for Burtu0026#39;s casual sly mannerisms. It reminds me of other serious prison dramas until it turns more into a sports movie. So it works as both genre. It has great emotions and touching relationships. Itu0026#39;s a good drama and has a great feel good development. It essentially works in all areas.”
