Escape (1980)

Escape Poster

The true story of Dwight Worker, an American who was caught smuggling drugs in Mexico, and sentenced to fortress-like Lecumberri prison where he endured brutal conditions. With the help of his wife, Barbara, he escaped the prison by disguising himself as a woman. He was the first prisoner to escape Lecumberri since Pancho Villa.

Film Overview
"Escape" is a tv film that aired in 1980, directed by Richard A. Colla and produced by Bill Driskill. The film features an all-star cast that consists of Timothy Bottoms, Kay Lenz, Colleen Dewhurst, and Allan Miller. The plot of the film revolves around a young man named Dwight Worker, portrayed by Timothy Bottoms, who starts a daring escape from Mexico's infamous Lecumberri Prison after being wrongfully founded guilty.

Plot Synopsis
Timothy Bottoms stars as Dwight Worker, an innocent American, who unbeknownst to him, is fooled into smuggling drugs out of Mexico. Nevertheless, he is captured by Mexican authorities and tossed into the infamously harsh and corrupt Lecumberri Prison. His life in prison is wretched and agonizing, marked by beatings, corruption, and an overall miserable living condition that challenges his ability to survive.

While in prison, Dwight fulfills and falls in love with a fellow American named Barbara Chilcoate, portrayed by Kay Lenz. Regardless of the harsh scenarios, their romance grows and this shared bond motivates Dwight to make an audacious attempt to escape his circumstance.

Escape Attempt and Love Story
Barbara becomes the pivotal part of Dwight's escape strategy. Disguising herself as a man, Barbara handles to smuggle a suit and a phony ID card into the jail, meant for Dwight's use in making his vacation. The plan threatens and audacious as any detection might cost them their lives.

Alongside the excitement and suspense of the escape plot, the blossoming love between Dwight and Barbara brings heat to the otherwise bleak story. Their guts, strength, and steady hope in their shared future outside the jail walls include depth to their characters and humanize the story.

Delighting Climax and Conclusion
In a thrilling climax, Dwight successfully manages to dress up as a prison guard, using the fit and ID Barbara supplied. He successfully walks past the prison gates, undetected. The guard at the security check inspects his phony ID but ultimately lets him through, marking the climax of the movie. Dwight's successful escape from the dreadful Lecumberri Prison showcases his cunning, resourcefulness, and sheer will to endure.

As Dwight marches into the totally free world, he and Barbara reunite, ending the film on an enthusiastic and emotional note. This victorious ending suggests that in spite of adversity, courage and decision can yield a ray of hope and freedom.

Critical Reception
"Escape" was popular by critics and audiences, who lauded the film for its tense, exhilarating story and strong performances, especially by Bottoms and Lenz. The motion picture effectively catches the grim truths of life in a Mexican jail while delivering a captivating narrative about a bold prison escape. The storyline is based upon real-life occasions, including additional credibility and intrigue to the film. Additionally, the unforeseen romance subplot includes a layer of human emotion, making the characters more relatable and the story more interesting.

Top Cast

  • Timothy Bottoms (small)
    Timothy Bottoms
    Dwight Worker
  • Kay Lenz (small)
    Kay Lenz
    Barbara Chilcoate
  • Colleen Dewhurst (small)
    Colleen Dewhurst
    Lily Levinson
  • Miguel Angel Suaree
    Fernando Gardner-Pasquel
  • Sandra Alexander
    Gabrielle
  • Allan Miller (small)
    Allan Miller
    Jack Branch
  • Antonio Fargas (small)
    Antonio Fargas
    Jamie Valdez
  • Vincent Schiavelli (small)
    Vincent Schiavelli
    J.W. White
  • Jorge Cervera Jr. (small)
    Jorge Cervera Jr.
    Tierno
  • Elliott Street (small)
    Elliott Street
    Roger Brody
  • Louis Giambalvo (small)
    Louis Giambalvo
    Hank