Watch House of Women

House of Women is a 1962 drama film directed by Walter Doniger and starring Shirley Knight, Andrew Duggan, and Constance Ford. The movie follows the story of a young woman named Erica Hayden, who is sent to prison for the murder of her father. Though initially sentenced to life in prison, Erica is eventually transferred to a correctional facility for women, known as the House of Women.

The House of Women is depicted as a strict and regimented institution, run by a team of mostly male administrators and attended by a large population of female inmates. Erica finds herself in a difficult situation, as she struggles to adjust to life behind bars while also hoping to find a way to prove her innocence and gain her freedom.

Throughout the movie, we see Erica experiencing a wide range of emotions and interacting with many of the other inmates, who come from different backgrounds and have their own reasons for being in prison. There are several memorable characters who emerge over the course of the film, including a troubled young woman named Baby Doll, who has a fraught relationship with her abusive husband, and a tough-talking inmate named Junie who becomes Erica's closest ally and confidante.

As Erica navigates the complexities of life in the House of Women, she also forms relationships with some of the male staff members, including a sympathetic doctor named Dr. Crane, who tries to help her prove her innocence, and a cruel and oppressive guard named Captain Murdock, who takes pleasure in making the inmates' lives miserable.

One of the most interesting aspects of House of Women is the way it explores the power dynamics at play within the correctional system. Throughout the movie, we see how the male staff members hold almost complete control over the female inmates, using their positions of authority to manipulate and exploit them. At the same time, we also see the women's resourcefulness and resilience in the face of such adversity, as they find ways to connect with each other and assert their own agency in small but meaningful ways.

Overall, House of Women is a gripping and thought-provoking film that offers a powerful commentary on the nature of justice, oppression, and human nature. It is anchored by strong performances from its talented cast, particularly Shirley Knight in the lead role, and features a well-crafted screenplay that keeps the audience engaged and invested in Erica's journey. Whether viewed as a character study, a social commentary, or a thrilling drama, this is a film that is sure to leave a lasting impact on anyone who watches it.

House of Women is a 1962 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.