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The Longest Yard 1974

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★ 6.8/10 R ComedyDramaCrime Released
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What is The Longest Yard?

The Longest Yard is a 1974 film centered on a former football player who is serving time in prison. The narrative follows his efforts to organize a team of fellow inmates to compete in a game against a team composed of prison guards.

Type
Film
Year
1974
Status
Released
Runtime
121 minutes
Release date
Aug 21, 1974
Studios
Paramount Pictures
Genres
Comedy, Drama, Crime
Updated

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Overview

The Longest Yard is a 1974 film centered on a former football player who is serving time in prison. The narrative follows his efforts to organize a team of fellow inmates to compete in a game against a team composed of prison guards. This undertaking presents the protagonist with a significant moral dilemma. The warden of the facility offers him the possibility of an early release from his sentence, but this incentive is conditional upon the protagonist ensuring that his team loses the game. As he considers this ultimatum, he must also weigh the potential consequences for his teammates. The protagonist is particularly concerned about the lack of self-esteem among the inmates and how the outcome of the match might impact them. The film explores the conflict between his personal desire for freedom and his responsibilities toward the group of prisoners he has assembled. The tension between these competing interests forms the core of the story as the game approaches.

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Should you watch it?

“A disgraced football player organizes a prison team to face the guards.”

Reasons to watch
  • Engaging sports underdog story
  • Blend of comedy and drama
Keep in mind
  • Contains adult themes due to its rating
  • Features prison settings

Watch it if you enjoy classic sports movies about underdog prison inmates.

The film is rated R for its mature content and themes.

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Frequently asked questions

When was the film released?

The film was released in August 1974.

What genres does the film belong to?

It spans comedy, drama, and crime.

What is the runtime?

The runtime is two hours and one minute.

What is the main plot?

A former football player forms an inmate team to play against the prison guards.

What dilemma does the main character face?

The warden asks him to throw the game for an early release, while he also cares about the inmates' self-esteem.