The Defiant Ones is a 1958 film which tells the story of two escaped prisoners who are shackled together, one white and one black, who must co-operate in order to survive. It stars Tony Curtis, Sidney Poitier, Theodore Bikel, Cara Williams, Charles McGraw and Lon Chaney Jr.
The movie was adapted by Harold Jacob Smith from the story by Nedrick Young (originally as Nathan E. Douglas). It was directed by Stanley Kramer.
It won Academy Awards for Best Cinematography, Black-and-White and Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen, and was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Tony Curtis), Best Actor in a Leading Role (Sidney Poitier), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Theodore Bikel), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Cara Williams), Best Director, Best Film Editing and Best Picture.
Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer, of the Our Gang comedies, has a small role. It was his last before his death.
Joker Jackson and Noah Cullen are two convicts on a chain gang who hate each other. After a truck prison accident, they flee and are pursued by the police. While they're chained, the two are dependent on one another. When they eventually get rid of their chains, their hostility has been changed into fellowship and respect. Written by Tony Kessen
Carl Monroe and 'Joker' Johnson share some things: They are both in jail and they both hate each other. After a fist fight the are going to be put into an other jailhouse by car. They come to blows so wild that their transport has an accident. They manage to escape chained to each other, still hating each other and the sheriff hunting them. Written by Oliver Heidelbach
