In this film, based on a true story, convicted criminal Lee Umstetter ( Nick Nolte ) is sentenced to life in San Quentin prison, with no possibility of parole. Despairing at his interminable sentence, Lee spends his time reading and educating himself. When he writes and performs a play that attracts the notice of a film critic ( Rita Taggart ), she sets out on a quest to have him paroled. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide