Murder in the First

Murder in the First

Year: 1995

Runtime: 122 mins

Language: English

Director: Marc Rocco

DramaCrimePolitics and human rightsBrutal violent prison dramaGripping intense violent crime

The trial that brought down Alcatraz A young, inexperienced public defender is assigned to defend an inmate accused of committing murder while behind bars.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Murder in the First yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Murder in the First (1995)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Murder in the First (1995). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1934–1963

The movie takes place mainly during the 1930s to early 1960s, a period marked by the Great Depression, World War II, and post-war advancements. During this era, Alcatraz was operational as a high-security facility, known for its strict discipline and episodes of brutality, reflecting the criminal justice practices of mid-20th-century America.

Location

Alcatraz Prison, Kansas (Leavenworth)

Alcatraz was a notorious maximum-security federal prison located on an island off the coast of San Francisco, known for its inescapable reputation and harsh conditions. Leavenworth serves as the starting point for Henri Young's imprisonment before his transfer to Alcatraz, a place that symbolizes severe punishment and punishment for the most dangerous criminals.

🏝️ Island 🏢 Federal Prison 🕵️‍♂️ Correctional Facility

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:56

Main Characters – Murder in the First (1995)

Meet the key characters of Murder in the First (1995), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Henri Young

A destitute orphan driven by desperation, Henri Young is portrayed as a tragic figure who is pushed to madness by the brutality of Alcatraz. His actions and mental deterioration symbolize the destructive impact of wrongful incarceration and systemic abuse.

🎭 Tragic 💪 Resilient 🧠 Mentally Tormented

Glenn (Warden Milton Glenn)

The oppressive prison warden, Glenn embodies cruelty and authoritarian control. His willingness to use torture and manipulate the system highlights the corrupt and inhumane leadership that sustains the cruel prison environment.

👮‍♂️ Authoritarian 💣 Corrupt 👹 Cruel

James Stamphill

A young Harvard-educated lawyer committed to justice, Stamphill challenges the injustice at Alcatraz. His moral integrity and courage reflect themes of legal advocacy and the fight against systemic cruelty.

⚖️ Ethical 💼 Lawyer 🥊 Advocate

Rosetta Young

Henri’s sister, Rosetta symbolizes innocence and the personal cost of systemic failure. Her separation from Henri underscores themes of loss and familial bonds amid hardship.

👩‍👧 Sibling 💖 Loving 🏚️ Orphaned

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:56

Major Themes – Murder in the First (1995)

Explore the central themes of Murder in the First (1995), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔒 Injustice

The film explores the brutal conditions and inhumane treatment of prisoners, highlighting how systemic cruelty and abuse can push individuals to the brink of insanity. The story criticizes the penal system and questions the morality of using torture as a form of punishment.

🧠 Mental Health

Henri Young’s psychological breakdown emphasizes the damaging effects of solitary confinement and torture. The narrative underscores the importance of mental health care and the devastating impact of dehumanizing treatment within prisons.

⚖️ Justice

The film reflects on legal and moral justice, illustrating how corruption and neglect can lead to wrongful punishments and cover-ups. The courtroom drama reveals the flaws in the justice system and the fight to expose cruelty within the prison system.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:56

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Murder in the First

Don't stop at just watching — explore Murder in the First in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Murder in the First is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Murder in the First Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Murder in the First, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Murder in the First Summary

Murder in the First Timeline

Track the full timeline of Murder in the First with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Murder in the First Timeline

Murder in the First Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Murder in the First that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Murder in the First Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Murder in the First

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Murder in the First: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Murder in the First

Explore More About Movie Murder in the First

Murder in the First (1995) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Murder in the First (1995) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Murder in the First (1995) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow