Punishment Park

Punishment Park

88 mins | Drama, Thriller | May 9, 1971

In this fictional documentary, U.S. prisons are at capacity, and President Nixon declares a state of emergency. All new prisoners, most of whom are connected to the antiwar movement, are now given the choice of jail time or spending three days in Punishment Park, where they will be hunted for sport by federal authorities. The prisoners invariably choose the latter option, but learn that, between the desert heat and the brutal police officers, their chances of survival are slim.

Punishment Park

88 mins | Drama, Thriller | May 9, 1971

Punishment Park
In this fictional documentary, U.S. prisons are at capacity, and President Nixon declares a state of emergency. All new prisoners, most of whom are connected to the antiwar movement, are now given the choice of jail time or spending three days in Punishment Park, where they will be hunted for sport by federal authorities. The prisoners invariably choose the latter option, but learn that, between the desert heat and the brutal police officers, their chances of survival are slim.
IMDb rating 7.7
Producers Churchill Films, Chartwell, Françoise Films
Original title Punishment Park
Directors Peter Watkins
Writers Peter Watkins

Cast

Carmen Argenziano

as Jay Kaufman

Kent Foreman

as Defendant in the tribunal

Luke Johnson

as Defendant in the tribunal

Katherine Quittner

as Nancy Smith

Stan Armsted

as Charles Robbins

Mary Ellen Kleinhall

as Allison Mitchner

Mark Keats

as William C. Hoeger, Tribunal Chairman

Gladys Golden

as Mary Jurgens

Scott Turner

as James Arthur Kohler, Tribunal Defendant

George Gregory

as Mr. Keagan

Sigmund Rich

as Prod. Hazlett

Patrick Boland

as First Tribunal Defendant