Survival and scorn collide in a New York prison when a reviled inmate arrives.
SHORT EYES
A child molester sent to prison finds that criminals exact harsher justice than society. A young man who is charged with child molestation is placed in New York City’s infamous Tombs prison. When the other inmates in his cell block find out what he is charged with, life becomes extremely difficult for him.
Proof that prison drama cuts deepest when it refuses easy answers.
Short Eyes doesn’t flinch as it throws you into the unforgiving world of New York’s Tombs prison, where the inmates enforce their own brand of justice. Robert M. Young directs a raw, ensemble-driven drama powered by Miguel Piñero’s writing and a cast that includes Bruce Davison and a young Luis Guzmán. It’s as much about shifting codes of survival as it is about guilt and complicity.
— SassyFlix Programmer
Short Eyes is a 1977 American drama film directed by Robert M. Young about a young man accused of child molestation navigating the brutal hierarchy of a New York City prison.
- Director
- Robert M. Young
- Writer
- Miguel Piñero
- Release
- 1977
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Country
- United States of America
- Language
- English
- Genres
- Drama
- Also Known As
- Esecuzione al braccio 3, Slammer, Ojos cortos, Im Netz der Gewalt
Synopsis
Davis insists he doesn't remember raping the girl, but he admits to Juan that he has molested several other children. The prosecution's case against Davis is weak and, unless Juan tells prison authorities about Davis' confessions to him, it is only a matter of time before he is set free. As Juan struggles with what to do, the other prisoners plan to get rid of Davis permanently.
Why Cult
The film dives into the harsh pecking order inside an NYC jail, where even hardened criminals have their own moral lines.
With a cast and setting reflecting 1970s urban reality, the film brings blaxploitation grit to its prison narrative.
Writer Miguel Piñero’s firsthand knowledge of prison life charges the script with realism and raw dialogue.
Features Bruce Davison, José Pérez, and an early appearance by Luis Guzmán among a strong ensemble.
Trailer
Scene Gallery
Questions from the Vault
What is Short Eyes about? +
Short Eyes is about a young man, accused of child molestation, who is placed in a New York City prison and faces the harsh judgment of his fellow inmates.
When was Short Eyes released? +
Short Eyes was released in 1977.
Who directed Short Eyes? +
Short Eyes was directed by Robert M. Young.
How long is Short Eyes? +
Short Eyes has a runtime of 100 minutes.
What genre is Short Eyes? +
Short Eyes is a drama film.
Where can I watch Short Eyes? +
Short Eyes is available to watch on SassyFlix.
