Cool Hand Luke is a 1967 American prison drama film directed by Stuart Rosenberg, starring Paul Newman and George Kennedy in Oscar-winning performances. The film is based on a novel by Donn Pearce, who co-wrote the screenplay with Frank Pierson.
Luke Jackson (Newman) is a young man who is arrested for drunkenly vandalizing parking meters. The judge sentences Luke to a chain gang prison farm, where he is subjected to brutal treatment by the guards and inmates.
Luke refuses to conform to the rules and expectations of prison life, and his rebellious nature inspires the other prisoners to resist against the oppressive system. He becomes known for his ability to eat 50 hard-boiled eggs in one hour and his repeated escapes from the prison.
Throughout the movie, Luke's defiance and defiance lead to conflicts with the authorities, particularly the cruel and sadistic Captain, played by Strother Martin. Despite Luke's repeated attempts to break free, he ultimately proves unable to escape the system's power. The climax of the film sees Luke facing off against the guards in a final showdown that has become one of cinema's most memorable scenes.
The film is noted for its religious and allegorical themes, with Luke being depicted as a messianic figure who sacrifices himself for the other inmates. Its soundtrack, featuring songs by folk singer and activist Odetta, has also been highly acclaimed.
Cool Hand Luke was a commercial and critical success upon its release, and it remains a widely respected classic of American cinema, regularly included in "best films of all time" lists.