US (1973): Drama/Biography

The autobiography of Henri Charrière, one of the few people to successfully escape from the notorious French penal colony of Devil's Island, served as the basis for this film, directed by Franklin J. Schaffner. Steve McQueen plays the pugnacious Charrière (known as "Papillon," or "butterfly," because of a prominent tatoo), incarcerated -- wrongly, he claims -- for murdering a pimp. He saves the life of fellow convict Louis Dega (Dustin Hoffman), a counterfeiter who will later show his gratitude by helping Charrière in his many escape attempts, and by smuggling food to Charrière when the latter is put in solitary confinement. One breakout, which takes Charrière and Dega to a leper colony and then to a native encampment, is almost successful, but Charrière is betrayed (allegedly because he stopped for an act of kindness) and back the prisoners go to French Guyana. Years later, Dega is made a trustee and is content with his lot, but the ageing, white-haired Charrière cannot be held back. The cast also features Victor Jory, Don Gordon, Anthony Zerbe, Bill Mumy and Vic Tayback. A tribute to the unquenchability of the human spirit, Papillon brought in an impressive $22 million at the box office. (Allied Artists) (Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide)

· Music Scoring Awards (Original Dramatic Score) 1973: Jerry Goldsmith

1 nomination