The Last Mile

Nine men, awaiting execution at a penitentiary, overtake the guards and attempt a break. Mickey Rooney. Martin: John Vari. Walters: Clifford David. Mayor: Harry Millard. Kirby: Ford Rainey. Jackson: John McCurry. Tom: John Seven. Warden: Alan Bunce. Gripping version of John Wexley’s grim 1930 play. Directed by Howard W. Koch., The Last Mile stars Mickey Rooney as John Mears, a convicted killer in prison and awaiting execution. He and his fellow inmates on death row watch as a prisoner takes his final walk to the electric chair.The sparse setting re-enforces the character development, with the closing of the cold steel doors an ever present reminder of their hopeless situation. Meas stages an escape attempt, turning the tables on the warden before a hail of gunfire leads to the dramatic climax.