Papillon

Written by:
Henri Charrière (novel)
Dalton Trumbo

Directed by:
Franklin J. Schaffner

Made in:
France & USA in 1973

Actors:
Steve McQueen .... Henri 'Papillon' Charriere
Dustin Hoffman .... Louis Dega
Victor Jory .... Indian chief
Don Gordon .... Julot
Anthony Zerbe .... Toussaint Leper Colony chief
Robert Deman .... Maturette
Woodrow Parfrey .... Clusiot
Bill Mumy .... Lariot
George Coulouris .... Dr. Chatal
Ratna Assan .... Zoraima
William Smithers .... Warden Barrot

Plot:
Based on the true story of Henri Charriere, also known as Papillon, which is French for 'butterfly' (the character even sports a large tattoo of a butterfly. A petty criminal, Papillon is wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to life in a French penal colony in 'Guiane' (French Guiana, South America). Papillon is determined to escape but attempt after attempt meets with difficulty, resulting in eventual recapture. He continues his attempts to escape despite incarcerations in solitary confinement as punishment. IMDB

Review:
Fantastic movie! it is a true story and it is very well presented. It is long, but well worth watching. The actors do an outstanding job. Funny, sad, and exilerating.