Warden of Red Rock (2001 TV Movie) User Reviews (7)

A Family Film Set In A Prison

[Theo Robertson · 5/10 · 13 August 2003]

Yes you`ve read the above summary right , WARDEN OF RED ROCK is a family film . As a big fan of OZ I was left reeling watching this , there`s no shankings , no gang rapes and no cynicism . In fact its claim to be a prison film is extremely tenious , it`s more like WARDEN QUINN MEDICINE WOMAN and tells the story of how James Cann`s kind , noble character makes a promise to an inmate to return his possesions to his wife after he`s been hung . Remember Robert Redford as the title character in BRUBAKER ? Well the warden in this movie makes Henry Brubaker look like an out and out Nazi

You`ve probably realised that I was expecting something else from WARDEN OF RED ROCK , and I was . The info button on my remote didn`t mention it was a TVM , gave it a 15 certificate and it was broadcast just after midnight so I was expecting some violence and bad language which never came . Less cynical viewers might enjoy it perhaps

A so-so end-of-the-old-west flick.

[=G= · 5/10 · 23 March 2001]

Remember those old westerns where the good guys were really good and the bad guys were really bad and they could shoot a man off horseback at 300 yards and never hit the horse?

Well, "Warden of Red Rock" is cut from the same cloth. The film tells the story of the warden of an Arizona territorial prison (circa 1910) who, past his prime, begins feeling old and decides to make some changes in his life. The film follows him through the usual prison stuff (execution, break-out, etc.) and an involvement with the wife and daughter of an executed prisoner. "Warden..." makes for an okay watch if expectations are kept low.

The character of John Flinders , the warden of a prison, shines in a deep and long tunnel as the strongest light!

[svoboda_k · 7/10 · 24 June 2015]

It's a shame that, as far as I know, did not show a DVD of this film, which in any case deserves to see a greater number of viewers. It is one of the better TV films made over the last 20 years. The character of John Flinders, a warden of the prison Red Rock, remain in the memory of viewers as a moral giant. This is rarely succeeded compound of just and moral man in a very responsible job as manager of a prison, for the worst criminals from 1910. in Arizona. The whole film crew of director Stephen Gyllenhaal, through a skilled screenwriter James Lee Barrett, whom this film is dedicated, to the major actors, led by the excellent James Caan has given its contribution to this TV movie failed. Care should see the TV movie!

Great old-fashioned Western!!

[cellypelican · 5 July 2001]

James Caan at his best! The Western genre has almost disappeared from modern movie-making, but this is definitely a goody!

Caan is a progressive, compassionate prison warden in 1910 Arizona. (Location shots were in Durango, MX.) Carradine (as a former buddy) is put into his prison & Caan must keep a watchful eye on his old pal. Enough action to keep the movie rolling, but sidebar stories to keep the movie interesting. From Showtime.

A top notch cast aides a movie of many moods.

[mark.waltz · 6/10 · 9 July 2023]

There's always a prison escape or attempt or riot involving disgruntled, abused inmates in prison movies, so it's no shock that the last half of this prison film set in the old west deals with that. James Caan is the new warden and plans on running the prison with a more hands on, lighter touch, reducing discipline and basically try to understand these convicted felons the best he can. One of the inmates (David Carradine) is an old acquaintance, and is secretly planning the escape while Caan is busy romancing Rachel Ticotin, the widow of an executed prisoner and mother of a young son.

The great Brian Dennehy has a smaller part as a friend of Caan's, a local man of influence who offers great advice. It's a nothing part, but he turns it into a work of art. The film isn't violent outside of a hanging at the beginning, but once the shoot out at the prison happens and leads to escape, that changes with several violent murders occurring among the escapees. Caan and Carradine play characters of completely opposite personalities so their friendship (marred by betrayal) is rather odd, but the film has an intense pace and good character development. While not great, it's all the better if you're fans of the stars.

TV movie with Hollywood cast.

[khunkrumark · 8/10 · 26 June 2021]

Top notch acting talent elevates this TV movie.

It's a fantasy of the wild west much like The Virginian was over thirty years before this movie was made.

It's a predictable and unsubtle story. No amount of 'spoilers' would ruin it for you. But it's still worth your attention.

Absorbing, low key, television drama.

A good guy!

[maxinerose · 22 August 2004]

SPOILER included... How I have missed good westerns with REAL heroes! With so many anti-heroes in the movies, it was wonderful to see an outlaw gone straight who really has become a good, honest man. I wish he'd been a little quicker (writer's fault) at discovering the dishonest administrator cheating on him and the prisoners, but at least he did fire him and make life better for the prisoners. A simple western but gratifying for being able to enjoy James Caan as a really "good guy". His relationship with the widow was wonderful... be still my heart! A warden any prisoner would want watching over him, and a romantic hero any decent woman would die for!