Murder in the First Quotations

Murder in the First is a 1995 film about a petty criminal named Henri Young who is unjustly sent to Alcatraz. The man is put into solitary confinement for 3 years (when the maximum is 19 days) making him go mad, and causing him to kill another inmate. A young lawyer is assigned to his case and defends him, while putting Alcatraz on trial by pointing out that the incredible brutality his client endured was in a sense the real killer.

Directed by Marc Rocco. Written by Marc Rocco and David L. Wolper.

The trial that brought down Alcatraz.

Dialogue

James Stamphill: Did you kill Rufus McCain?

Henri Young: I was the weapon, but I ain't no killer.

James Stamphill: How do you think the Yankees will do against the Redskins this year?

Henri Young: The Yankees are a baseball team. The Redskins are a football team. Personally, I think the Redskins would kick the shit out of them.

James Stamphill: I will ask you what I want to ask you.

Henri Young: And I answer what I want to answer.

James Stamphill: Fine.

Henri Young: Fine.

James Stamphill: Unlike many men who lived long after, Henry Young did not die in vain. In the end he was not afraid. He lived and he died in triumphed. If only we could all do that.

Henri Young: Action: I won. Reaction: you can't ever take that away from me

Taglines

They locked him up. They crushed his spirit. But they couldn't hide the truth.
One was condemned. The other was determined. Two men whose friendship gave them the will to take on the system.
The trial that brought down Alcatraz.
"I accuse Alcatraz of crimes against humanity." - The lawyer
"I was a weapon, but I ain't no killer." - The accused
"I am not on trial here." - The warden
One broke his silence. The other broke the system.

Cast

Kevin Bacon - Henri Young
Christian Slater - James Stamphill
Gary Oldman - Milton Glenn
Embeth Davidtz - Mary McCasslin
William H. Macy - D.A. William McNeil
Stephen Tobolowsky - Mr. Henkin
Brad Dourif - Byron Stamphill
R. Lee Ermey - Judge Clawson
Mia Kirshner - Adult Rosetta Young
Ben Slack - Jerry Hoolihan
Stefan Gierasch - Warden James Humson
Kyra Sedgwick - Blanche, Hooker