A Very Open Prison Poster

A Very Open Prison 1995

★ 10.01 votes55 min📅 1995-12-09

In this 1995 political satire, Guy Jenkin crafts a sharp comedy centered around a Home Secretary's risky pursuit of the Prime Minister's seat.

Director: Guy Jenkin

Cast

Tom Wilkinson
Tom Wilkinson
David Hanratty
Ronald Pickup
Ronald Pickup
Brian Silcott
Stephen Tompkinson
Stephen Tompkinson
Jeremy Craig
Emily Mortimer
Emily Mortimer
Amanda Ellis
Peter Wingfield
Peter Wingfield
Dominic Casement
Michael Hordern
Michael Hordern
Lord Langland
Geoffrey Whitehead
Geoffrey Whitehead
Chief Constable Christie
John Fortune
John Fortune
Prime Minister
Celia Imrie
Celia Imrie
Victoria Bridgewater
Julian Fellowes
Julian Fellowes
Sir Mortimer Fawkes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Very Open Prison (1995) about?

This satirical comedy follows a Home Secretary whose plan to undermine the Prime Minister backfires spectacularly when a prison reform experiment goes awry. The escape of dangerous inmates complicates his ambitions and exposes the fragility of political power.

Who directed A Very Open Prison?

The film was directed by Guy Jenkin, known for his sharp comedic style and sharp political commentary in television projects.

Who stars in A Very Open Prison?

The cast includes Tom Wilkinson, Ronald Pickup, Stephen Tompkinson, Emily Mortimer, and Michael Hordern, delivering a blend of gravitas and humor.

Is A Very Open Prison (1995) worth watching?

With its biting satire and strong performances, this 55-minute comedy offers a quick but memorable dose of political farce. While not a blockbuster, its wit and thematic relevance make it a hidden gem for fans of 90s television films.

How long is A Very Open Prison?

The runtime of A Very Open Prison is 55 minutes.

About A Very Open Prison (1995) — A Political Comedy That Escapes All Control

In this 1995 political satire, Guy Jenkin crafts a sharp comedy centered around a Home Secretary's risky pursuit of the Prime Minister's seat. His ambitions take a chaotic turn when a bold prison reform experiment spirals into chaos, unleashing a wave of high-profile escapees—including dangerous murderers—on the public. With the Prime Minister's reputation hanging by a thread, the film brims with political maneuvering, bureaucratic blunders, and a dash of farcical intrigue. The tone balances wit with a touch of suspense, as the fallout from the experiment threatens to derail careers and public trust alike.

A Very Open Prison (1995) stands as a precursor to the director's later work, *Crossing the Floor*, offering a biting commentary on power, accountability, and the unintended consequences of reform. Tom Wilkinson leads the ensemble cast with his signature gravitas, while Emily Mortimer and Stephen Tompkinson bring sharp comedic timing to the political chessboard. The film's runtime of just 55 minutes keeps the pacing tight and the satire razor-sharp, making it a standout in the 90s comedy landscape.