'Hayes has created a one-man show, detailing his time in prison and his daring escape,' press notes state. He adapted the experience into a book in 1976 and a film in 1978. 24.ĭirected by Jeffrey Altshuler, the play tells the story of Hayes' arrest in Istanbul for smuggling hash as well as his escape from prison, during which he rowed 17 miles across the open sea during a nighttime storm. 2, the 39th anniversary of Hayes' escape, following previews that began Sept. There is smoking throughout, both of cigarettes and hashish.The production officially opened Oct.

There is also racist and derogatory language used toward the Turkish characters who are genuinely portrayed as sadistic and corrupt. Swearing is strong and frequent and is often used when issuing threats. Some of the prisoners have sexual relationships - a shower scene depicts two prisoners kissing.

There is some male nudity and Billy's girlfriend, Susan (Irene Miracle), exposes her breasts during a prison visit, with Billy reacting by masturbating and trying to touch them through the security glass. Rape is referenced and suggested on numerous occasions. Kids are also beaten by an adult with a bat, although the strikes he inflicts are off-camera. The most graphic incidents include a prisoner biting out another inmate's tongue and a guard's skull being accidentally impaled on a clothing rack. Violence features throughout, with several incidences of prison guards beating prisoners. But they show little or no remorse for their wrongdoing. There are few positive messages but characters do show endurance after receiving lengthy prison sentences. The movie is loosely based on the true story of Billy Hayes (Brad Davis), an American student who was caught attempting to smuggle hashish out of Turkey in 1970. Parents need to know that Midnight Express is a prison drama with strong violence, drugs, and bad language.

Prisoners smoke cigarettes and hashish in prison.ĭid you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide. Character is seen with drugs strapped to them after being stripped to their underwear - claims that the drugs are for personal use, rather than for dealing. Characters attempts to smuggle drugs across an international border.

Midnight Express by Billy Hayes