The Shawshank Redemption

<p><b>How did a low-key prison drama which was considered a box-office flop on its original release become one of the most popular movies of all time?</b><br><br>Mark Kermode traces the history of this unexpected audience favourite, from its source in Stephen King's novella <i>Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption</i>, through the icy corridors of Ohio's Mansfield Reformatory (whose imposing gothic architecture dominates the film), to the television and video screens on which <i>The Shawshank Redemption</i> became a phenomenon. Kermode's account includes insights from writer/director Frank Darabont and leading players Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. He also explores the near-religious fervour that the film continues to inspire its huge number of devoted fans.<br><br>This new edition, published to coincide with the 30th anniversary of <i>Shawshank's</i> release, includes a new foreword by Mark Kermode re-assessing the film's impact and legacy.</p>