‘Forgotten’ Clint Eastwood thriller with near perfect rating on ITV tonight | Films | Entertainment

This evening, ITV presents a cinematic masterpiece that enthusiasts have championed as an eternal classic – one of Hollywood’s most legendary creations.

The gripping prison thriller Escape from Alcatraz, featuring Clint Eastwood, hit screens in 1979 and achieved both critical acclaim and box office triumph.

Since its debut, this remarkable film has established itself as one of the genre’s most groundbreaking works, earning accolades from renowned filmmakers including Quentin Tarantino, who praised it as “both fascinating and exhilarating… cinematically speaking, it’s Siegel’s most expressive film”.

Following Donald Trump‘s victory in securing a second presidential term, the film has experienced a surge in popularity after the US leader revealed plans to reopen the now-defunct Alcatraz facility – a proposal many suspect draws inspiration from Eastwood’s compelling drama.

The American Film Institute has also recognised its excellence by including it amongst the top 100 American films, reports the Mirror.

Escape from Alcatraz chronicles Frank Morris, a professional thief and habitual escapist with an extensive record of prison breakouts.

Condemned to life imprisonment at Alcatraz – America’s most notorious and supposedly impregnable penitentiary – Frank quickly discovers the truly appalling conditions within this maximum-security fortress.

After repeated confrontations with the ruthless warden Patrick McGoohan, Frank teams up with two fellow inmates he encounters within Alcatraz’s walls to devise the ultimate breakout scheme. The film boasts an almost flawless 97 per cent approval rating on the movie review aggregator site, Rotten Tomatoes.

One critic wrote: “Escape from Alcatraz remains a timeless thriller over 40 years after its release and makes great use of its setting.”

Another said: “It’s one of those very difficult exercises in which large emotions, like the compulsion to be free, are reflected in minute actions, like the chipping away at stone with a pocket nail clipper.”

A third reviewer noted: “Escape from Alcatraz was the last of five films that Don Siegel directed with Clint Eastwood, and it’s the end of an impeccable track record.”

Audiences have equally championed this gritty production.

One viewer said: “The psychological thriller prison break that hasn’t been beaten yet. Very dry the contained drama keeps you more on the main character definitely can keep you watching.”

Another enthusiast added: “Underrated and amazing. The intensity was awesome. The acting was on point. The story, amazing.”

Meanwhile, a third fan wrote: “This classic prison movie was really good. Clint Eastwood, Fred Ward, Larry Hankin, Jack Thibeau, Patrick McGoohan, Frank Ronzio, and the rest of the cast did a fantastic job in this movie. This true story about the three prisoners that escaped from the prison of Alcatraz in 1960 was dramatic, tense, and interesting. It was a well thought out plan and many wonder what happened to them even today. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, check it out sometime. It’s a definite must see.”

Escape from Alcatraz is airing on ITV4 at 9.30pm on Friday, January 2.

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