Drama,Romance
United States of America
Mrs. Soffel is a 1984 American crime drama film directed by Gillian Armstrong. The film is inspired by the true story of Kate Soffel, a prison warden's wife, who falls in love with and helps two convicted murderers, Ed Biddle and Jack Biddle, escape from her husband's prison in 1901, along with a third convict, named Billy Stafford.
Diane Keaton plays Kate Soffel, the loving wife of Peter Soffel (played by Ed Herrmann), the warden of the Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh. The film is set during the Victorian era and explores the evolving relationship between Kate and the Biddle brothers, played by Mel Gibson and Matthew Modine, respectively.
Kate, who is unhappy in her loveless marriage, becomes infatuated with Ed Biddle after he saves her from an attempted suicide. As she continues to visit Ed in his cell, their feelings grow stronger and she becomes more obsessed with the idea of helping them escape. After a failed attempt, the Biddle brothers are placed in solitary confinement, but Kate subsequently bribes prison guards and provides the convicts with a small saw, which they use to cut through their cell bars.
After escaping, the Biddle brothers break into the Soffel household, taking Kate and her sons hostage. Kate's initial fear turns to a romantic entanglement with Ed Biddle as they flee together towards Canada while being tracked by authorities.
The film was critically acclaimed for its performances and atmospheric period setting. However, it was a commercial flop upon release. Today, it is considered an underappreciated gem and a touching love story that transcends social boundaries.
