Watch On the Yard

On the Yard is a powerful and thought-provoking drama film which was released in 1978. Directed by Raphael D. Silver, the movie centers around the lives of three inmates who are serving time in a maximum-security prison. The cast includes veteran actors such as John Heard, Thomas G. Waites, and Mike Kellin. The movie tells the story of Chilly (John Heard), a white-collar criminal who has been sentenced to ten years in prison. Chilly is introduced to the intricacies of life on the inside by his cellmate, Eddie (Thomas G. Waites), a young and tough convict who has been on the yard for a few years. The two men develop a close bond as Eddie shows Chilly how to navigate the dangerous and violent world of prison life.

As the story progresses, we are introduced to the character of Goodyear (Mike Kellin), an elderly inmate who has been in the system for over thirty years. Goodyear is highly respected on the yard, and he becomes a mentor to Chilly and Eddie. We see the different dynamics of the three characters and how they navigate the harsh realities of prison life.

One of the strengths of the movie is the way it explores the psychological toll that incarceration can have on a human being. It presents a stark and unflinching view of the brutalities of prison life, including rape, violence, and abuse. The movie also reveals the dehumanizing effect that prison has on those who are incarcerated, stripping them of their dignity and individuality.

The film's cinematography is gritty and realistic, capturing the dark and claustrophobic atmosphere of prison life. The claustrophobic nature of the prison is further enhanced by the film's soundtrack, which features a haunting and eerie score.

The performances of the three leads are standout, with John Heard, in particular, delivering a powerful and nuanced performance as Chilly. He portrays the character's journey from a naive white-collar criminal to a hardened and disillusioned inmate with great skill and depth. Thomas G. Waites is equally impressive as Eddie, capturing the anger, frustration, and despair of a young man who has been in the system for too long. Mike Kellin's portrayal of Goodyear is equally compelling, with the character's wisdom and intelligence shining through despite his age and frailty.

Overall, On the Yard is a powerful and moving film that explores the harsh realities of prison life with unflinching honesty. The movie presents a sobering look at the dehumanizing effect that incarceration can have on those who are imprisoned. With its gritty and realistic portrayal of prison life, along with its outstanding performances, On the Yard is a must-see movie for anyone interested in the criminal justice system and the human condition.

On the Yard is a 1979 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.