The film opens in Mexico, with the forced murder of a prisoner by a fellow inmate staged by their corrupt guards. The first of two films starring Bronson and directed by prolific 1950s and 60s television veteran Tom Gries – Bronson and Gries’ subsequent adventure Western Breakheart Pass was even then in production – Breakout is Bronson at most unexpectedly charming, with the mellow vibes of his laidback character in no way blunting the sharp edges of his ass-kicking screen persona. Laconically introduced about twenty minutes into the film in a cowboy hat, sweat-stained sleeveless cut-off, and swilling cans of Coors beer, Bronson’s roughhewn charter pilot shows the action actor relaxing comfortably into his newfound stardom, even while not sacrificing the hard-earned intensity of, by that point, two-and-a-half decades of badassery in both films and on TV. STREET DATE: APRIL 26 TH, 2022/KINO LORBER STUDIO CLASSICSįifty-two years old at the time of its release, Charles Bronson’s first post- Death Wish (1975) movie was a Breakout role for the weathered, veteran star even beyond the title. Breakout Star Bronson In His Breakout Prime
