Our Prisons (silent, 1956)

silent black-and-white footage offering a comprehensive look at prison and reformatory life in Kansas and Michigan. It explores the daily routines of inmates, including vocational work like sewing and license plate production, alongside their living conditions in dormitory-style quarters and institutional cafeterias. The film also highlights security measures, such as armed guards and weapon storage, as well as rehabilitation efforts through education and reform programs. Scenes of inmate release, symbolizing a transition back to society, underscore the film’s focus on reintegration. The documentary captures the tension between punishment and rehabilitation, providing a detailed glimpse into mid-century penal institutions.

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