"There Was a Crooked Man..." is a 1970 Western-comedy film directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz. It stars Kirk Douglas as Paris Pitman Jr., a charismatic and cunning outlaw who is sentenced to 10 years in a remote Arizona prison run by the harsh and corrupt Warden Lopeman, played by Henry Fonda.
Despite his reputation as a ladies' man and a troublemaker, Pitman manages to charm his way into Lopeman's good graces and earns special privileges while in prison. He also befriends a group of fellow inmates who see him as a leader and a potential savior.
However, Pitman soon learns that Lopeman is holding him captive not just to punish him for his crimes, but also to use him as a pawn in a political scheme to further his own ambitions. Along with his loyal followers, including a former lawyer and a wily old conman, Pitman plots a daring escape from the prison and seeks revenge against Lopeman.
The film is known for its witty dialogue, quirky characters, and unexpected twists. It also features a star-studded cast, including Hume Cronyn, John Randolph, Warren Oates, and Burgess Meredith. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, it remains a cult classic for fans of both Westerns and comedies.