Blu Ray Review: Breakout (1975)

Kino Lorber’s release of this action-filled Charles Bronson feature from the 70s is a good look at the actor in a somewhat offbeat role. By the mid 70s, Bronson was defined as a steel-eyed tough guy who conveyed his feelings with an economy of expression. In Breakout he is much more lighthearted, often humorous, and certainly more emotional and boisterous. There are serious scenes, sudden outbursts of violence, even a comedy sequence where Bronson tries to pilot a helicopter. It is one of the actor’s most unusual and best performances.

Breakout benefits greatly from its strong cast including Bronson’s real life wife Jill Ireland, Robert Duvall, John Huston, Alejandro Rey, Randy Quaid, Alan Vint, and Sheree North. Michael Ritchie was the original director, but when he objected to Jill Ireland in the cast, Bronson threatened to walk, so Ritchie was replaced by Tom Gries (100 Rifles, Will Penny, Number One). Gries had worked with Bronson on some earlier TV projects and would also direct his western Breakheart Pass, which was released this same year.

Breakout is based on a true story, and is set when that story occurred (1971). Duvall is Jay Wagner, who is framed and sent to a Mexican prison by his grandfather Harris Wagner (John Huston) to keep him quiet. Wagner’s wife (Jill Ireland) hires a rugged bush pilot (Charles Bronson) and his assistant (Randy Quaid) to fly in and help her husband escape. The result is a compelling drama that is riddled with action sequences. It is quintessential 70s drive-in movie fodder with a top notch cast offering some of their career-best work.

Bronson, coming off the massive success of Death Wish, was paid a million dollars for his role, but that didn’t stop the film from being a big hit at the box office; an early example of the saturation booking that made Jaws a huge hit that same year, and redefined film distribution. 1975 was a strong year for the actor, with this film, the aforementioned Breakheart Pass, and the magnificent Hard Times all in release. At age 54, he is still able to command a role that was originally set for 39 year old Kris Kristofferson, who left the project.

There is nobody better than Paul Talbot (Bronson’s Loose) to provide audio commentary, and his special feature on the Kino Lorber blu ray is a welcome addition. His insights and information are fascinating and enlightening.

The promo tag for Breakout when it was first released in the late Spring of 1975 was “Sentenced to 28 years in prison for a crime he never committed. Only two things can get him out - A lot of money and Charles Bronson!” Perfect!

The blu ray is available at this link: BREAKOUT