The Brig
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Jonas Mekas
Warren Finnerty
Jim Anderson
Henry Howard
Tom Lillard
James Tiroff
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
In a United States Marines brig, which resembles a large chicken-wire cage within an area set off by barbed wire, prison guards awaken the 10 prisoners at 4:30 a.m. by scraping garbage-can lids along the mesh of their communal cell. The prisoners are ordered to clean their quarters, shower, dress, and eat breakfast in double time. They are forbidden to talk with one another, and during the time allowed for smoking, they are forced to inhale and exhale in unison. To cross one of the white lines that indicate right angles in the brig, a prisoner must ask permission from the guards. "Relaxation" consists of standing at attention while reading from the book of prison regulations. Throughout the course of the day, the men do compulsory exercises, scrub the brig thoroughly, perform rigorous drills, and undergo punishment for their "offenses." As a result of this routine, Prisoner Number Five collapses and is straitjacketed. A new prisoner becomes Prisoner Number Five. At bedtime, the prisoners undress and climb into bed, all the while moving in double time.
Cast
Warren Finnerty
Jim Anderson
Henry Howard
Tom Lillard
James Tiroff
Steven Ben Israel
Gene Lipton
Rufus Collins
Mike Elias
William Shari
Viktor Allen
George Bartenieff
Gene Gordon
Mark Duffy
Henry Proach
Carl Einhorn
Luke Theodore
Crew
Film Details
Technical Specs
Quotes
Trivia
Notes
Filmed in 16mm at an actual performance of the Living Theatre production in New York City.
Miscellaneous Notes
Released in United States 1964
Released in United States September 20, 1964
Shown at New York Film Festival September 20, 1964.
Filmed on the stage of the Living Theater.
Released in United States 1964
Released in United States September 20, 1964 (Shown at New York Film Festival September 20, 1964.)
