Runaway Train

Oscar 'Manny' Manheim is incarcerated in Alaska's Stonehaven Maximum Security Prison, where he becomes a folk hero among fellow inmates. His intelligence and cunning in the world of crime earn him respect, but he remains trapped in the penal system.

After enduring a grueling three years in solitary confinement, Manny faces the psychological strains of isolation and despair. This harsh experience only strengthens his resolve to escape and reclaim his freedom.

Manny is unexpectedly released from prison, though he bears the physical mark of his struggles — a stab wound to his hand. This liberation sets the stage for his daring bid for freedom.

Manny enlists the help of Buck McGeehy, a young and determined inmate who is eager to assist in the escape. Their alliance, though unlikely, proves crucial as they plan their perilous journey together.

The duo bravely traverses a sewer tunnel, symbolizing their commitment to escape and defy the odds stacked against them. This decision marks the beginning of their dangerous journey across the country.

Reaching a switchyard, Manny and Buck don railroad attire and successfully hijack a massive train with four locomotives. This bold act significantly escalates their escape plan and leads them into a tumultuous situation.

Tragedy strikes when Al, the elderly engineer operating the train, suffers a heart attack. This unexpected drama leaves the train careening down the tracks unattended, amplifying the peril for everyone on board.

Dispatchers Dave Prince and Frank Barstow receive the alarming news about the runaway train. Barstow makes the controversial decision to let the train continue on its path, believing they can clear the tracks ahead.

The risky decision leads to a catastrophic collision with another train. The lead locomotive sustains serious damage that jamming its front door, leaving Manny and Buck in an increasingly dangerous position.

Sara, a locomotive hostler, discovers Manny and Buck aboard the runaway train. Faced with the urgency of the situation, she understands that jumping off could have dire consequences for everyone involved.

Manny and Buck grapple with the complications of reaching the lead engine to activate the kill switch. Their struggle intensifies as they face a jammed front door and lack of access, forcing them to act with ingenuity and determination.

In a bold maneuver, Manny and Buck manage to disconnect the multi-unit cables on the train's locomotives. This risky strategy is their last hope to regain control before the train approaches a dangerous curve.

In a desperate measure to prevent a disaster, dispatchers reroute the runaway train onto a dead-end branch line. This decision seals a grim fate for many involved, demonstrating the high stakes of the situation.

Warden Ranken, attempting an aerial rescue, maneuvers a helicopter to the scene. However, chaos ensues as Manny handcuffs him, illustrating a final showdown between authority and the fight for survival.

In a poignant act of bravery, Manny uncouples the lead engine to prevent an ecological disaster, sacrificing himself for the greater good. As he bids farewell to Buck and Sara, they vanish into the night, leaving behind a profound emotional impact.