Will Luke Jackson’s unbreakable will and defiance of authority be enough to overcome the brutal Florida prison farm system?
Watch the original version of Cool Hand Luke
Prologue:
The Florida prison farm was not a place for the faint of heart. Here, the inmates were subjected to brutal beatings, long hours of hard labor, and inhumane living conditions. But even in this hellish environment, one man stood out from the rest.
His name was Luke Jackson, and he was a petty criminal who refused to conform to the rules and regulations of the prison. He was a rebellious spirit, and his unbreakable will and bravado made him a hero to his fellow convicts.
But Luke’s defiance also made him a thorn in the side of the sadistic warden and his prison officers. They were determined to break his spirit, to force him to submit to their authority like every other inmate.
This is the story of Luke Jackson, a man who refused to be broken, and the impact his rebellion had on those around him.
Chapter 1: The Arrival
Luke Jackson arrived at the Florida prison farm on a scorching hot summer day. He was a scrawny, wiry man with a crooked grin and a cocky attitude that immediately set him apart from the other inmates.
As soon as he stepped onto the prison yard, he knew he was in for a fight. The other convicts eyed him warily, sizing him up to see if he was worth their respect. But Luke couldn’t have cared less.
He refused to follow the rules of the prison, even from the beginning. When the guards told him to strip down for a cavity search, he flatly refused, making them physically force him to comply.
Luke’s defiance didn’t sit well with the warden, a cruel and sadistic man who relished in the control he had over the inmates. He saw Luke as a threat to his authority, a man who needed to be broken like the rest of them.
But Luke wasn’t easily broken. When the warden ordered him to work in the sweltering fields, Luke refused to do the backbreaking labor. Instead, he lay down in the dirt and started singing “Plastic Jesus,” a song of rebellion and defiance.
The other inmates watched in awe as Luke refused to budge, even in the face of the warden’s wrath. They had never seen anyone stand up to the prison authorities like this before.
Luke’s brave actions earned him the respect of the other convicts, especially Dragline, the yard’s resident heavy. Dragline was a hulking brute who had been in the prison for years, and he admired Luke’s unbreakable will.
Despite the dangers of his rebellion, Luke continued to stand up to the warden and his officers. He refused to be broken, even when they threw him in “the box,” the prison’s dreaded solitary confinement cell.
In “the box,” Luke suffered through days of torture and misery, but he refused to give up his spirit. He sang to himself and kept his wits about him, earning the admiration of even his harshest enemies.
Luke Jackson had arrived at the Florida prison as a petty criminal, but he was quickly becoming something else entirely. He was a rebel hero, a man who refused to submit to the will of those in power. And his bravery and defiance would change the lives of those around him forever.
Chapter 2: The Box
The small, dark, and windowless room known as “the box” is the most feared place in the Florida prison farm. It is a place of torture, a place where men are stripped of their humanity and left to rot in isolation for days, sometimes even weeks. But Luke Jackson is not like most men. He is a rebel with an unbreakable will, and his defiance has landed him in the box.
The moment the door slams shut and the bolts lock, Luke is plunged into complete darkness. He can hear his own heart pounding in his chest, and the sound of his breath is deafening in the silence. The walls seem to close in on him, suffocating him, trying to crush his spirit. But he refuses to give in.
He spends the first few hours pacing back and forth, trying to keep his mind occupied. He thinks about his friends in the yard, wonders if they’re safe, wonders if they’ll miss him. He thinks about his life before prison, about the mistakes he’s made, the people he’s hurt. He thinks about his future, about the things he wants to do when he gets out. He refuses to let the box break him, refuses to give up hope.
But as the hours turn into days, the torture begins. The heat is unbearable, and the air is thick with the stench of his own sweat. The walls seem to close in even more, and the darkness becomes suffocating. He can hear the rats scratching at the walls, and the sound drives him to the brink of madness.
And then there is the water. The guards come in once a day to give him a small cup of water and a piece of bread. But sometimes they forget, or they are too busy, or they simply don’t care. Luke begins to feel the thirst gnawing at his throat, a constant ache that never goes away. He tries to ration his water, to make it last as long as possible, but eventually, he is forced to drink his own urine just to stay alive.
Days turn into weeks, and Luke’s mind begins to play tricks on him. He starts to see things in the darkness, shadows that move and dance, whispering voices that taunt him and mock him. He begins to lose track of time, not knowing whether it’s day or night, whether it’s been hours or days since he last ate or drank.
But still, he refuses to give up. The guards come in occasionally, hoping to break his spirit with their taunts and insults. But Luke meets their words with defiance, with a fierce determination that they cannot break. He knows that they want him to beg for mercy, to plead for release. But he refuses. He will not give them the satisfaction.
And finally, after what feels like an eternity, the door to the box opens. Luke staggers out, his body weak and trembling, his mind still reeling from the ordeal. But even as he falls to his knees, he knows that he has won. He has faced the most brutal punishment the prison can offer, and he has emerged stronger than ever.
As he is led back to the yard, he can see the respect and admiration in the eyes of his fellow inmates. They know what he has been through, and they know that he has not broken. As for the guards, they know better than to mess with Luke Jackson. He may be in prison, but he is a force to be reckoned with.
Chapter 3: The Escape
Luke’s rebellious spirit had earned him many friends, some of whom he managed to convince to join him in his escape plan from the Florida prison farm. They volunteered to help him despite the risks, convinced by their admiration for Luke and his unbreakable will to never give up.
Their sudden disappearance from the yard caused a commotion amongst the guards, who were unable to find any trace of them. For weeks, they searched the surrounding area, interrogated the prisoners, and increased their surveillance of the remaining inmates.
In the meantime, Luke and his friends were hard at work, digging a tunnel beneath the prison yard. Every evening, under the cover of darkness, they took turns digging, using only their bare hands and makeshift tools made from anything they could find. The tunnel was cramped, hot, and smelled of damp earth. But they persisted, driven by their desire for freedom.
Their escape plan was simple: wait until nightfall, crawl through the tunnel, and emerge on the other side of the fence that surrounded the prison. Once outside, they planned to split up and make their way to a nearby town, where they hoped to find work and start new lives.
Days turned into weeks, and the tunnel grew longer and deeper. Luke and his friends worked tirelessly, hiding their progress from the guards by covering the entrance with dirt and leaves. They became increasingly skilled at avoiding detection, moving stealthily through the prison yard and hiding their tools in their cells.
Eventually, the tunnel was complete, and the night of the escape arrived. Luke and his friends crawled through the cramped tunnel, emerging on the other side of the fence, feeling the fresh air on their faces for the first time in months. But their joy was short-lived as they realized that the guards had discovered their escape plan and were waiting for them.
A shootout ensued, with Luke and his friends exchanging fire with the guards. Dragline, who had previously been Luke’s enemy, fought alongside him, impressed by his bravery and tenacity. But the odds were against them, and soon they found themselves surrounded.
In the end, only Luke managed to escape, wounded but determined to never give up. He disappeared into the darkness, leaving Dragline and the others behind. His escape was short-lived, however, as he was soon captured and returned to the prison, where he faced his punishment for his defiance.
Despite the failed attempt, Luke became even more of a hero to his fellow inmates, who admired him for his courage and determination. They looked up to him as a beacon of hope, an inspiration to never give up, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Years later, Luke Jackson would be remembered as a legend, a hero to those who knew him and an icon of rebellion and defiance to those who didn’t. His escape attempt may have failed, but his spirit had not been broken. He remained an unbreakable force, refusing to submit to the system and fighting for his freedom until the very end.
Chapter 4: The Fight
Luke had made an enemy in the prison yard, the resident heavy, Dragline. The two men were polar opposites in every way, with Dragline being the muscle and enforcer for the prison officers and Luke being the rebellious new guy who refused to play by anyone’s rules.
The tension between the two men was palpable, and it was only a matter of time before they clashed. It happened in the mess hall during breakfast one morning. Luke had been sitting with his group of friends, laughing and joking, when Dragline strode over, his massive frame towering over the smaller man.
“You think you’re tough, Jackson?” Dragline sneered down at Luke. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”
Luke stood up, tossing his tray aside. “Anytime, big man.”
The two men faced each other, circling warily. Suddenly, Dragline charged forward, swinging a massive fist at Luke’s head. Luke ducked under the punch, delivering a brutal uppercut to Dragline’s chin.
Dragline stumbled back, momentarily dazed. Luke followed up with a flurry of punches, each one landing with a sickening thud. The other inmates had gathered around, cheering and egging the two men on.
Suddenly, Dragline regained his composure, launching a vicious kick at Luke’s stomach. Luke doubled over, gasping for breath. Dragline pounced, delivering a series of blows to Luke’s back and ribs.
But Luke refused to stay down. He struggled to his feet, his face bloody and bruised, and continued to fight back with everything he had. Despite being smaller and weaker than his opponent, Luke’s sheer determination and willpower began to turn the tide of the fight.
Soon, Dragline was on the defensive, ducking and weaving to avoid Luke’s relentless barrage of punches. The other inmates were going wild, shouting and cheering as the two men battled it out in the middle of the mess hall.
Finally, Luke landed a crushing blow to Dragline’s jaw, sending him sprawling to the ground. The crowd went silent, waiting to see what would happen next.
To everyone’s surprise, Luke held out a hand to Dragline, helping him to his feet. The two men stood there, bloodied and bruised, but with a newfound respect for each other.
“I didn’t think you had it in you, Jackson,” Dragline said grudgingly.
Luke grinned. “I’m full of surprises, big man.”
The fight had cemented Luke’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the prison yard. Even the prison officers, who had previously dismissed him as a troublemaker, began to take notice of the young man with the unbreakable will.
As Dragline and Luke parted ways, there was a sense of camaraderie between them that had not been there before. In a place where trust was scarce, the two men had formed an unlikely bond through their shared love of a good fight.
But as Luke walked away, he knew that the fight was far from over. The prison officers would not take kindly to their resident heavy being beaten by a new inmate. Luke had just put himself even further in their sights, and he knew that the consequences could be severe.
But for now, he reveled in the victory and the newfound respect he had earned in the eyes of his fellow inmates. He had proven that he was not just a petty criminal, but a force to be reckoned with in his own right.
Chapter 5: The Betrayal
Luke had thought he could trust his fellow inmates, but he was wrong. One day, when he returned to his cell after a particularly brutal day of work, he found himself surrounded by a group of his closest friends. They looked at him with a mixture of fear and trepidation, and Luke knew instantly that something was wrong.
“What’s going on?” He asked, trying to keep the fear out of his voice.
One of his friends stepped forward, his eyes downcast. “We’re sorry, Luke.” He said. “The warden’s been putting pressure on us. He’s threatened to make things even worse for us if we don’t cooperate.”
Luke felt his heart sink. He had known that the warden would stop at nothing to break his spirit, but he had never thought his own friends would betray him. “So, what does he want?” Luke asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
“He wants to know everything about your plans.” The friend explained. “He wants us to spy on you and tell him everything you’re up to.”
Luke felt a cold rage welling up inside him. He had thought he had found allies in this place, but it seemed like everyone was against him. “And what did you tell him?” He asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The friend hesitated, then looked up at Luke with tears in his eyes. “I told him everything, Luke.” He confessed. “I’m so sorry.”
Luke felt a sickening feeling in his stomach. He had been planning an escape, and now the warden knew all about it. He knew he couldn’t trust anyone anymore, not even his closest friends. He knew he was on his own.
He looked around the cell at the faces of the men he had thought were his friends. They looked back at him with shame and guilt. Luke felt a sense of betrayal so deep that he could barely stand it.
“You’re dead to me.” He spat. “All of you.”
And with that, he turned and walked out of the cell, leaving his former friends behind. He didn’t know what he was going to do next, but one thing was certain. He couldn’t trust anyone anymore. He would have to watch his back at all times.
As he walked down the corridor, he could hear the whispers and the stares of the other inmates. They knew about the betrayal, and they knew what it meant. Luke was alone now, more than ever before.
He knew he had to be careful, but he couldn’t give up. He had to keep fighting, even if it meant doing it alone. The warden might have his friends, but Luke had something even more powerful: his unbreakable will.
He knew he would never give up, never surrender. He would keep fighting until the bitter end, no matter what it took. And if that meant facing the warden and his cronies alone, then so be it.
He had no idea what the future held, but one thing was certain. The betrayal of his friends had changed everything. He was no longer just a prisoner, he was a rebel, a fighter, a survivor.
And he was determined to make it out of this place, no matter the cost.
Chapter 6: The Plan
Luke sat alone in the darkness of his solitary confinement cell. The moments in the box were usually a time of torture and misery, but for Luke, it was a chance to plot his next move. He knew that he had to escape and he knew he couldn’t do it alone. The guard’s watch was tight and the fences were high, but Luke was determined to find a way out.
He began to jot down his thoughts on a scrap of paper he had hidden in his shoe. Luke started to draw out the prison yard and its surrounding areas. He knew that the first step to executing his plan was to gather allies. He needed help from the other prisoners. He needed to find people who shared his vision of freedom and were willing to fight for it.
As he sat in the box, Luke began to study his fellow inmates closely. He watched as they shuffled past his cell, going about their daily routines. His eyes lit up as he spotted Dragline, the yard’s resident heavy. Dragline may have been Luke’s biggest threat, but he was also the most influential figure among the inmates. If he could win Dragline over, he could rally the rest of the prisoners to his cause.
Luke called out to Dragline, whispering through the bars of his cell. “Hey, Dragline, come over here.” The massive man slowly made his way over to Luke’s cell, an expression of curiosity on his face. “What do you want, Luke?”
Luke flashed a sly grin. “I need your help, Dragline. I need your muscle and your influence to pull off a little escape.”
Dragline scoffed. “You’re crazy, Luke. We’re never getting out of here.”
Luke’s smile faded. “You’re willing to give up that easily? You’re willing to spend the rest of your life in this place?”
Dragline shook his head. “It’s not that, Luke. It’s just…I don’t know how we’d even begin.”
Luke leaned in closer. “I’ve been planning, Dragline. I’ve got a map of the yard and a plan of attack. I just need you and a few others to help execute it.”
Dragline studied Luke’s face for a long moment before nodding. “Alright, Luke. I’m in. But we’re going to need more than just a map and some muscle. We need a distraction.”
Luke grinned. “I’ve got that covered too.”
Over the next few days, Luke and Dragline recruited a small group of inmates to join their cause. They gathered in secret, planning and scheming under the noses of the prison guards. They knew they couldn’t trust anyone but each other, and they swore to keep the plan a secret at all costs.
The night of the escape attempt arrived. The group assembled in a tight circle, hands clasped together in a show of solidarity. Luke took a deep breath and addressed the group. “This is it, guys. This is our chance for freedom. Are you with me?”
The group nodded in unison, and Luke led them out into the yard. As they ran towards the fence, a loud explosion rocked the prison. The guards were distracted, and the group surged forward, using the chaos to their advantage.
Just when it seemed like everything was going to plan, they heard the sound of a siren blaring. One of their own had betrayed them, leading the guards straight to their location. Luke was tackled to the ground and dragged back to the box, while the rest of the group scattered, leaving him to face the consequences alone.
As he sat in the box once again, Luke knew that his escape attempt had failed. But he also knew that he had gained something more important than his freedom. He had earned the respect and loyalty of his fellow inmates. He had shown them that there was still hope for freedom, and he had proved that even in the face of adversity, there was always a way to fight back.
Chapter 7: The Execution
The sun beat down on the desolate prison yard as Luke and his fellow inmates made their final escape attempt. The plan had been a long time in the making, and they had thought of every possible contingency. But they had not counted on the sheer force of the prison’s security measures, nor on the sadistic intentions of the warden.
As Luke and his friends attempted to scale the prison wall, they were met with a barrage of gunfire from the watchtowers. Several inmates fell, their bodies torn apart by the hail of bullets. Luke, seeing his friends brutally murdered before his eyes, felt a cold fury rise within him.
Determined to make it across the yard to the relative safety of the prison gates, Luke charged forward, dragging Dragline and a few others with him. They were met with a hail of bullets and tear gas, but Luke refused to back down.
They made it across the yard and reached the gates, only to find them locked tight. Luke tried to force them open, but they wouldn’t budge. The prison officers had anticipated their move and had taken steps to prevent it.
As they struggled to break through the gates, they were surrounded by a legion of prison officers, all armed and ready to shoot. Luke knew that they were doomed, but he refused to give up.
“Come on, you apes! You want to live forever?” he shouted, his voice ringing out across the yard.
The prison officers opened fire, and Luke was hit multiple times. He fell to the ground, his body riddled with bullets, but even in death, he refused to submit. As he lay dying, he looked up at the officers with a defiant glare, his spirit unbroken.
The other inmates were captured or killed, and as they were dragged back to their cells, the warden made a special point of torturing and tormenting Luke’s body. He was determined to break the unbreakable spirit of the rebel hero, to crush him once and for all.
But even in death, Luke’s legacy lived on. His defiance and bravery inspired countless others to stand up against injustice and authority, to fight for what they believed in, no matter the cost. And though he was gone, he would never be forgotten.
Chapter 8: The Trial
The trial began with Luke shackled and dressed in his prison uniform, sitting between his two court-appointed lawyers. The prosecution wasted no time in portraying him as an incorrigible criminal, highlighting his many acts of defiance and disobedience. The warden and several of the prison guards testified, recounting Luke’s many infractions and painting him as a danger to society.
Despite all of this, Luke sat calmly, his eyes fixed straight ahead. He knew he was in trouble, but he refused to give up hope. As the trial wore on, it became apparent that the prosecution had little concrete evidence against him. They relied heavily on hearsay and rumors, and their case seemed to be falling apart.
But then the judge called Dragline to the stand. Luke’s former enemy recounted their many confrontations, including the brutal fight that had cemented Luke’s role as a leader among the inmates. He spoke of Luke’s unwavering defiance and his determination to never give up, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The prosecution seized on this, using Dragline’s testimony to paint Luke as a rebel without a cause, a man who refused to listen to reason or authority.
Luke’s lawyers tried to counter this by arguing that their client had been subjected to unimaginable cruelty and torture, and that his actions were a result of the inhumane conditions in which he had been forced to live. But the judge was unmoved. He saw Luke as a threat, a man who refused to obey the law and who put others in danger through his reckless behavior.
In the end, the verdict was a foregone conclusion. Luke was found guilty on all charges and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He was taken back to his cell, where he sat in silence, his mind racing with thoughts of what might have been.
It was easy to feel hopeless in a situation like this, but Luke was different. He refused to give up, even in the face of such overwhelming odds. As the days and weeks passed, he began to formulate a new plan, one that would allow him to continue to fight for his freedom, no matter how long it took.
He knew it would be a difficult road, filled with obstacles and setbacks. But he was determined to see it through, to prove to himself and to the world that he was more than just a petty criminal, that he was a man with a cause, and that he would never stop fighting for what he believed in.
And so, as he sat in his cell, Luke began to plot his next move. He knew that the road ahead would be long and hard, but he was ready for it. He was ready to take on the system, to fight for his freedom, and to become the hero that his fellow inmates already saw him as.
Chapter 9: The Redemption
Luke had been in prison for years, his spirit broken by the cruel and oppressive system. But even in the darkest moments of his captivity, he refused to give up hope. Against all odds, he continued to defy the prison authorities, inspiring others to join him in his quest for freedom.
It started with small acts of rebellion- a refusal to stand for the daily roll call, a refusal to eat the prison food. But as Luke’s defiance grew, so did his support. More and more inmates began to follow his lead, and the prison authorities struggled to contain the growing movement.
Despite the risks, Luke began to reach out to the outside world, writing letters to sympathetic journalists, lawyers, and activists. He told them of the atrocities that occurred inside the prison walls, of the beatings, the torture, the inhumane conditions. And slowly but surely, his voice began to be heard.
As word of Luke’s plight spread, a groundswell of support began to build. People from all walks of life- politicians, celebrities, ordinary citizens- rallied to his cause. They organized protests, wrote letters to the governor, and demanded that Luke be given a fair trial.
But the system was not so easily swayed. The prison authorities, sensing the threat to their power, redoubled their efforts to break Luke’s spirit. They subjected him to even more brutal punishments, hoping to silence him once and for all.
But Luke refused to be silenced. He continued to write, to speak out, to fight back. And as the support for his cause grew, the prison authorities began to fear that the movement he had sparked could not be contained.
Finally, after years of struggle, Luke was granted a new trial. The courtroom was packed with supporters, all wearing “Free Luke” t-shirts and holding signs demanding justice. The prosecutor argued that Luke was a dangerous criminal who deserved to spend the rest of his life behind bars. But Luke’s lawyer, a scrappy young public defender, argued that his client had been the victim of a corrupt and oppressive system.
The jury deliberated for hours, and when they emerged, the tension in the room was palpable. Luke held his breath as the foreman read the verdict.
“Not guilty,” the foreman said, and the courtroom erupted in cheers.
Luke emerged from prison, a hero to many, a symbol of hope and defiance. He continued to speak out against the injustices he had endured, inspiring others to fight for their own freedom. And though he was haunted by the memories of his captivity, he vowed to never give up hope, to never surrender to the forces of oppression.
For Luke Jackson, the battle for his freedom had been won. But the fight for justice and equality would continue on, a struggle that would require the same unbreakable will and unwavering courage that had carried him through the darkest moments of his life.
Chapter 10: The End
The sun was setting over the Florida prison farm, casting a golden glow over the courtyard. Luke Jackson sat alone in his cell, watching the world outside through the narrow window. He knew that his time was running out. The system had broken him, but his spirit remained unbroken.
As the day wore on, the crowds began to gather outside the gates of the prison. They were there to demand Luke’s release, to demand justice for a man who had been wronged by the system. It was a small victory, but it was enough to bring a glimmer of hope to Luke’s heart.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the warden approached Luke’s cell. He was a tall, thin man with a cruel smile on his lips. “It’s time,” he said, unlocking the door and gesturing for Luke to follow.
Luke stood up, feeling a strange sense of calm wash over him. He knew what was coming, but he was ready for it. He followed the warden down the hall, past the cells of his fellow inmates. They reached the yard, where a crowd had gathered to watch the execution.
The chair was waiting for him, its wooden frame gleaming in the fading light. Luke sat down, his hands bound behind his back. The guards strapped him in, tightening the restraints until he could barely breathe.
The warden stood before him, holding a microphone. “Luke Jackson,” he said, his voice echoing across the yard. “You have been sentenced to death by electrocution. Do you have any last words?”
Luke took a deep breath, feeling a sense of peace settle over him. He lifted his head, gazing out at the crowd. “Yeah,” he said softly. “I do.”
He began to speak, his words carrying across the yard like a wave. He talked about his life, about the injustices he had suffered at the hands of the system. He talked about his friends, the men who had stood by him through thick and thin. He talked about his dreams, the things he had hoped to accomplish in his life.
And then, with a final burst of strength, he spoke about hope. He spoke about the power of the human spirit, the strength that lay within each and every one of them. He spoke about the fact that even in the darkest of times, there was always a glimmer of light.
As he spoke, something miraculous began to happen. The sun began to rise, casting a pink glow over the yard. The birds began to sing, their sweet melodies carrying on the breeze. And in the crowd, people began to weep.
Luke’s words had touched them deeply, inspiring them to hope for a better tomorrow. They knew that Luke had been wronged, but they also knew that his spirit would never die.
And then, with a soft hum, the chair came to life. The electricity coursed through Luke’s body, sending waves of pain crashing over him. He gasped, his body convulsing, but he didn’t scream. He didn’t give the warden the satisfaction of hearing him cry out.
And then, just as suddenly as it had begun, it was over. The electricity stopped, and Luke slumped forward in the chair. The guards unstrapped him, lifting him gently out of the chair and carrying him away.
The crowd dispersed slowly, carrying with them a sense of hope that they had never felt before. They knew that Luke Jackson had died, but that his spirit would live on forever.
Some scenes from the movie Cool Hand Luke written by A.I.
Scene 1
FADE IN:
EXT. FLORIDA PRISON FARM – DAY
LUKE JACKSON, a handsome and scruffy-looking man in his late 20s, steps off the bus and into the prison yard. He looks around at the other prisoners, all of whom are dirty and downtrodden.
PRISON GUARD (O.S.)
Welcome to your new home for the next two years.
Luke turns to face the prison guard, who glares at him with contempt.
PRISON GUARD (CONT’D)
You’d do well to remember one thing, boy:
you’re nothing more than a number here.
Luke smirks at the guard’s comments, refusing to show any fear.
LUKE
I’ll remember that, but I don’t plan on
staying here for long.
The guard’s eyes narrow at Luke’s defiance.
PRISON GUARD
We’ll see about that.
Luke shrugs off the guard’s threats and turns to walk away.
PRISON GUARD (CONT’D)
Hey, you! What’s your name?
Luke stops and turns back to the guard.
LUKE
Luke Jackson.
The guard takes out a piece of paper and writes something down.
PRISON GUARD
Jackson. Got it.
Luke walks away, his eyes scanning the prison yard for any potential allies.
FADE OUT.
Scene 2
Characters:
– Luke Jackson: a rebellious and charismatic prisoner
– Warden: a sadistic prison warden
– Guards: the prison officers who enforce the warden’s rules
– Inmates: Luke’s fellow prisoners, some of whom admire his bravery and defiance
Setting:
A Florida prison farm in the 1960s. The prison is run down and poorly maintained, with harsh living conditions and brutal punishment for rule-breakers.
Dialogue:
Luke: “You can put me in that box all you want, but you can’t break me. I’m unbreakable.”
Warden: “We’ll see about that, Jackson. We’ll see how long your spirit lasts in the hole.”
Guard 1: “He’s not worth the trouble, Warden. Just leave him in there to rot.”
Guard 2: “But he’s got the other inmates riled up. We can’t afford to let him keep causing trouble.”
INT. PRISON CELL – DAY
Luke sits on his cot, staring at the wall. The cell is small and cramped, with no windows and a single light bulb overhead.
WARDEN (O.S.)
(opening the door)
“Get up, Jackson. Time for your daily exercise.”
Luke slowly rises to his feet, stretching his limbs. He meets the warden’s gaze with a steely glare.
LUKE
“I’m not going to give you the satisfaction of breaking me, Warden. Do your worst.”
Warden smirks and escorts Luke down the hallway, past the other cells. The other inmates watch in silence, some murmuring their support for Luke.
GUARD 1
(to Guard 2)
“You see how he’s got them all worked up? We need to put a stop to this.”
GUARD 2
(nodding)
“But how? He’s not doing anything wrong, technically.”
They reach the entrance to “the box,” a small concrete room with no light or sound.
WARDEN
(shoving Luke inside)
“Enjoy your stay, Jackson. Maybe you’ll come out a broken man.”
He slams the door shut, leaving Luke in utter darkness.
CUT TO:
INT. THE BOX – LATER
Luke is sitting on the concrete floor, his breathing ragged. He’s been in here for hours, maybe days – he’s lost track of time.
LUKE
(to himself)
“I’m not going to let them win. I won’t give them the satisfaction.”
Suddenly, a small glimmer of light appears at the bottom of the door. He hears the sound of a key turning in the lock and quickly jumps to his feet.
GUARD 2
(opening the door)
“Come on, Jackson. You’re getting out of here.”
Luke steps out of the box, breathing in the fresh air. He sees the other inmates watching him, their faces full of admiration.
INMATE
(clapping him on the back)
“You did it, man. You’re unbreakable.”
Luke nods, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth. He knows he’s not defeated yet – not by a long shot.
Scene 3
Setting: A Florida prison farm
Characters:
1. Luke Jackson – A rebellious inmate who refuses to conform to the rules and regulations of the prison farm. He becomes a leader among his fellow inmates.
2. Dragline – The yard’s resident heavy and initially Luke’s enemy. He eventually becomes a friend and ally to Luke.
3. The Warden – A sadistic and authoritarian figure who takes pleasure in tormenting the inmates.
INT. PRISON FARM – DAY
Luke is huddled together with a group of inmates in a corner of the yard, whispering to them in hushed tones.
LUKE: (whispering) I’ve got a plan. We’re going to escape tonight.
INMATE 1: (whispering) What’s the plan?
LUKE: (whispering) We’re going to dig a tunnel under the fence. I’ve got some tools on loan from the kitchen.
INMATE 2: (whispering) That sounds risky.
LUKE: (whispering) It’s worth the risk. We’ve got nothing to lose. We’ll be free men.
The inmates look at each other nervously, but eventually nod in agreement.
LATER THAT NIGHT
The inmates are gathered in a dark, secluded area of the yard, digging away at the ground with makeshift shovels. Luke is leading the operation, guiding the progress and making sure no one is caught.
Suddenly, they hear a loud noise in the distance. The searchlights turn on, and they hear shouting.
WARDEN: Attention all inmates! There has been an escape attempt. I repeat, there has been an escape attempt. All inmates are to report to their cells immediately.
The inmates panic, dropping their tools and running in all directions. Luke stays behind, watching as the guards approach.
DRAGLINE: (running up to Luke) Come on, Luke! We have to go! We’ll never make it!
LUKE: (stoically) Go ahead without me. I’ll hold them off.
DRAGLINE: Are you out of your mind? You’ll get caught!
LUKE: (smiling) Maybe. But I’m not giving up without a fight.
Dragline looks at him with a mixture of admiration and sadness, before reluctantly running off with the others.
Luke stands his ground as the guards approach, ready to face whatever consequences come his way.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 4
FADE IN:
EXT. PRISON YARD – DAY
Luke and Dragline are standing in the middle of the yard, surrounded by a crowd of prisoners. The tension is palpable as they stare each other down.
DRAGLINE
(angry)
You think you’re tough, huh? You think you can take on anyone in this place?
LUKE
(calmly)
I don’t know about anyone, but I can take you.
Dragline lunges at Luke, throwing a punch that Luke easily dodges. Luke responds with a quick jab to Dragline’s stomach, knocking the wind out of him. The crowd cheers as Dragline stumbles backward.
DRAGLINE
(breathless)
You got lucky.
LUKE
(smiling)
Maybe. Or maybe I’m just that good.
Dragline shakes his head, impressed in spite of himself.
DRAGLINE
(grudgingly)
You’re alright, Luke. You’re alright.
The two men clasp hands as the crowd continues to cheer.
FADE OUT.
Scene 5
INT. PRISON YARD – DAY
Luke sits alone on a bench, his face contorted with fury and betrayal. He stares off into the distance, lost in thought.
Suddenly, Dragline approaches him.
DRAGLINE
Hey, Luke. You okay?
Luke turns to him, his eyes flashing with anger.
LUKE
No, I ain’t okay, Dragline. How could you do this to me?
DRAGLINE
Do what?
LUKE
Betray me. You know damn well I didn’t steal that money. You know who did.
DRAGLINE
I had to do what I had to do, Luke. It’s not just about you anymore. It’s about all of us.
LUKE
All of us? What the hell does that mean?
DRAGLINE
It means we gotta keep our heads down, stay out of trouble. You’re making things hard for us.
Luke stands up, towering over Dragline.
LUKE
I’m making things hard? You’re the one who’s afraid to stand up for what’s right. You’re the one who’s willing to throw me under the bus to save your own skin.
DRAGLINE
You don’t understand, Luke. You don’t know what it’s like in here.
LUKE
I know exactly what it’s like. I’ve been in “the box” more times than I can count. But I won’t let them break me. I won’t let them turn me into a sniveling, spineless coward like you.
Dragline flinches at the insult, but doesn’t back down.
DRAGLINE
I’m doing what I have to do to survive. You should try it sometime.
With that, he turns and walks away, leaving Luke alone on the bench, seething with rage and disappointment.
Scene 6
Characters:
Luke Jackson: A charismatic and rebellious criminal who refuses to play by the rules.
Dragline: A tough and loyal inmate who becomes Luke’s friend.
Warden: The sadistic head of the Florida prison farm.
Inmates: A group of misfits who join Luke in his quest for freedom.
Setting: A Florida prison farm.
Dialogue:
Luke: “Listen up, boys. We’re getting out of here. All we need is a little determination and a lot of guts.”
Dragline: “You crazy, man? We’ll never make it out of here alive.”
Luke: “That’s because you’re thinking like a prisoner. You need to think like a rebel. We’ll make a plan and follow it through. Who’s with me?”
Inmates: “We are!”
Scene 6: The Plan
INT. SOLITARY CONFINEMENT CELL – DAY
Luke sits alone in his cell, staring at the four walls that have become all too familiar. In his hands, he holds a piece of paper with a crudely drawn map and a list of names.
Luke:
(VO)
“Okay, boys. Here’s the plan. We’ll dig a tunnel from the shower room to the fence. We’ll need shovels, pickaxes, and anything else we can get our hands on. Dragline, you’re in charge of getting the tools.”
CUT TO:
INT. PRISON YARD – DAY
Dragline approaches a group of inmates, quietly discussing the plan.
Dragline:
“Jackson’s got a plan. We’re gonna dig our way out of here.”
Inmate 1:
“You’re crazy, man. You’ll never make it.”
Dragline:
“We have to try. You in or out?”
Inmate 2:
“I’m in.”
Inmate 3:
“Me too.”
CUT TO:
INT. SOLITARY CONFINEMENT CELL – DAY
Luke continues to speak to his fellow inmates in a hushed voice.
Luke:
“We’ll work on the tunnel every night until it’s done. We need to be careful, though. The guards can’t find out what we’re doing.”
Inmate 4:
“What if we get caught?”
Luke:
“We won’t. We’ll be like ghosts in the night, working silently towards our goal.”
CUT TO:
INT. PRISON YARD – DAY
The inmates gather around Luke as he finishes outlining the plan.
Luke:
“So, that’s it. Any questions?”
Inmate 5:
“What about the guards?”
Luke:
“We’ll take care of them. We’ll wait until the night of the full moon. It’ll give us the cover we need to get past them.”
The inmates nod in agreement, knowing that this is their one chance at freedom.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 7
FADE IN:
EXT. PRISON YARD – DAY
Luke and his group of inmates sprint across the yard, their eyes fixed on the fence at the other end.
DRAGLINE
(yelling)
C’mon, Luke! You got this!
Luke glances back over his shoulder at the approaching prison officers.
LUKE
(grinning)
I always do.
He reaches the fence and scrambles up, his hands finding purchase on the barbed wire.
PRISON OFFICER #1
(yelling)
Freeze! Don’t move!
Luke looks down at the officer, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
LUKE
(calling out)
You’ll have to do better than that, pal!
He leaps from the fence, landing on the other side with a thud.
The other inmates follow suit, but one of them – Spider – gets caught on the fence.
SPIDER
(grunting)
Go on without me!
Luke hesitates for a moment, but then turns and sprints back towards the fence.
PRISON OFFICER #2
(yelling)
Get back here, Jackson!
Luke reaches the fence and begins to climb up, his fingers finding the barbed wire.
PRISON OFFICER #2
(yelling)
No, don’t do it!
Luke pauses for a moment, his eyes fixed on Spider, who is struggling to free himself.
LUKE
(to himself)
I can’t leave him behind.
He jumps down from the fence and runs towards Spider, just as the officers catch up.
PRISON OFFICER #1
(tackling Luke)
Gotcha!
Luke hits the ground hard, the wind knocked out of him.
PRISON OFFICER #2
(yelling)
You’re in big trouble now, Jackson!
FADE OUT.
