CONVICTS 4 (a.k.a CONVICTS FOUR) 1962
U.S. film. Based on "Reprieve," the autobiography of real-life prisoner John Resko. Convicts 4 tells the true story of death row prison inmate John Resko (played by Ben Gazzara), who was sentenced to the electric chair at the age of 18 for murdering a pawnshop owner to obtain money to get his young daughter a Christmas present. (Minutes before his execution he is granted a reprieve by governor Franklin Delano Roosevelt, though the movie doesn't mention this.)

Serving a life sentence, Resko has trouble adjusting to life in prison. But he eventually adapts with the help of four fellow convicts played by Sammy Davis Junior, Ray Walston and Timothy Carey (mesmerizing performance!) While in prison, Resko develops artistic skills and becomes a talented painter. He gains the attention of members of the art world such as Carl Calmer, played by Vincent Price, who fight for his release. In the end he is pardoned and reunited with his daughter and granddaughter, who is the same age as was Resko's daughter when he was first imprisoned. Filmed in Folsom State Prison with an incredible all-star cast! Powerful jazzy soundtrack worthy of CD release! Ben Gazzara, Stuart Whitman, Sammy Davis Jr., Timothy Carey, Ray Walston, Rod Steiger, Broderick Crawford, Telly Savalas, Jack Albertson, Dodie Stevens, Vincent Price, Jack Kruschen, Naomi Stevens, Tom Gilson, Burt Lange, Billy Varga. Convicts 4!

CONVICTS 4 (a.k.a CONVICTS FOUR) 1962 movie on DVD and VHS!