Big House, U.S.A
“5 KILLER CONVICTS BREAK OUT!”
Synopsis
A tough and realistic crime drama unfolds as merciless kidnapper Jerry Barker (Ralph Meeker) demands ransom paid against a young runaway whose fate lands Barker in Casabel Island Prison.
Top Cast
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Broderick Crawford
Rollo Lamar
Ralph Meeker
Geraldo 'Jerry' Barker aka Iceman
Reed Hadley
Special FBI Agent James Madden
William Talman
William 'Machine Gun' Mason
Lon Chaney Jr.
Leonard M. 'Alamo' Smith
Charles Bronson
Benny Kelly
Felicia Farr
Emily Euridice Evans
Roy Roberts
Chief Ranger Will Erickson
Willis Bouchey
Robertson Lambert
Peter J. Votrian
Danny Lambert
Robert Bray
Ranger McCormick
William Boyett
Ranger at Park Exit (uncredited)
Nelson Leigh
Madden's FBI Supervisor (uncredited)
Gregg Martell
Accomplice on Fishing Boat (uncredited)
Bill McLean
Dipsy (uncredited)
Jan Merlin
Tommy (uncredited)
Joe Ploski
Convict (uncredited)
Stafford Repp
Police Warden Machek (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
March 3, 1955
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Howard W. Koch
- Screenplay & Story
- John C. Higgins
- Original Score
- Paul Dunlap
- Original Title
- Big House, U.S.A
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 23m
- Production Studios
- Bel-Air Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Howard W. Koch
John C. Higgins, George W. George, George F. Slavin
Paul Dunlap
Gordon Avil
John F. Schreyer
Aubrey Schenck
Department Leadership Roster
Charles D. Hall
Production Design
John C. Higgins
Screenplay
Paul Dunlap
Original Music Composer
Gordon Avil
Director of Photography
Aubrey Schenck
Producer
John F. Schreyer
Editor
Howard W. Koch
Director
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 18 — Restricted to adults 18 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Big House, U.S.A.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Big House, U.S.A.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Big House, U.S.A
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Big House, U.S.A about?
A tough and realistic crime drama unfolds as merciless kidnapper Jerry Barker (Ralph Meeker) demands ransom paid against a young runaway whose fate lands Barker in Casabel Island Prison.
Who directed Big House, U.S.A?
Big House, U.S.A was directed by Howard W. Koch.
Who stars in Big House, U.S.A?
The principal cast of Big House, U.S.A includes Broderick Crawford, Ralph Meeker, Reed Hadley, William Talman, Lon Chaney Jr..
When was Big House, U.S.A released and how long is it?
Big House, U.S.A was released in 1955 with a total runtime of 1h 23m.
Who composed the musical score for Big House, U.S.A?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Big House, U.S.A was composed by Paul Dunlap.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Big House, U.S.A?
Big House, U.S.A holds official age classifications: DE: 18 (FSK 18 — Restricted to adults 18 and older.).