Walter Wanger, a producer who had just served four months in prison for shooting a man he believed was having an affair with his wife, created a film highlighting the harsh realities he experienced behind bars. With director Don Siegel, they crafted a story about prisoners rising up against brutal guards, poor living conditions, and substandard food. The inmates take guards hostage, but negotiations are thwarted by politicians and internal conflicts among the prisoners.

Riot in Cell Block 11
Inmates at a maximum-security prison stage a violent uprising, taking hostages and demanding attention from the outside world for their grievances, leading to a high-stakes standoff with the overwhelmed authorities.