Newman, who was Oscar-nominated for Best actor for his role, gives one of the most powerful performances of his career as Lucas Luke Jackson, a cool, gutsy prisoner in a Southern chain gang, who refuses to buckle under to authority, while repeatedly escaping and being recaptured. The prisoners admire Luke because of his gumption but the head of the gang hates him and tries to break him by beating him often. Ultimately Luke gains the respect of all the convicts but with each escape and return he is subjected to more and harsher punishments by the sadistic guards.This film is considered one of the most important of the 60s, a decade in which the theme of protest against the establishment was being played out daily in real-life events. Cool Hand Luke was nominated for four Academy Awards for Best Music Score, Best Screenplay, and in the afore-mentioned Best Actor and Supporting Actor categories.
