The autobiography of Henri Charriere, one of the few people to successfully escape from the notorious French penal colony of Devil's Island, served as the basis for Papillon. Steve McQueen plays the pugnacious Charriere (known as "Papillon," or "butterfly," because of a prominent tatoo), incarcerated--wrongly, he claims--for murdering a pimp. He saves the life of fellow convict Louis Dega (Dustin Hoffman), a counterfeiter who will later show his gratitude by helping Charriere in his many escape attempts, and by smuggling ...
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The autobiography of Henri Charriere, one of the few people to successfully escape from the notorious French penal colony of Devil's Island, served as the basis for Papillon. Steve McQueen plays the pugnacious Charriere (known as "Papillon," or "butterfly," because of a prominent tatoo), incarcerated--wrongly, he claims--for murdering a pimp. He saves the life of fellow convict Louis Dega (Dustin Hoffman), a counterfeiter who will later show his gratitude by helping Charriere in his many escape attempts, and by smuggling food to Charriere when the latter is put in solitary confinement. One breakout, which takes Charriere and Dega to a leper colony and then to a native encampment, is almost successful, but Charriere is betrayed (allegedly because he stopped for an act of kindness) and back the prisoners go to French Guiana. Years later, Dega is made a trustee and is content with his lot, but the ageing, white-haired Charriere cannot be held back. A tribute to the unquenchability of the human spirit, Papillon brought in an impressive $22 million at the box office. Hal Erickson, Rovi
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Seller's Description:
Ratna Assan, George Coulouris, Bil. Fine. 1973 Run time: 151. VHS tape and cover in excellent condition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. Orders received before 3PM PT typically ship same day. All profits support the non-profit community.
What struck me most about the film was the beautiful cinematography capturing the islands of French Guiana. The story is certainly one of harsh survival, which makes the film such an amazing contrast. On one hand you have the utter despair that the two main characters are going through, and the countless inmate perils you see on the screen. On the other hand you have this beautiful island paradise as a backdrop. The film is slow, but done so on purpose...I guarantee that you won't be able to take your eyes of the screen.
5 Stars
Rachell
Jan 21, 2010
Steve McQueen's Best
This movie is why Steve McQueen was considered great! His acting was superior to any of his other movies. Dustan Hoffman is amazing as usual.
ESECats
Apr 14, 2009
Papillon the movie
This movie is a classic. If you haven't seen it, you are missing one of the all time best movies and performances of Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman.
3728
Aug 14, 2008
Finally found it!!!
So glad to have found this great movie. I somehow missed it when it was a "current" movie....back in the day. Caught part of this movie on television...loved it so much that I decided to do some internet research re:topic; next thing I was ordering the book to read from Alibris.com and when finished with the book I just had to have the movie. Glad to have found it....fabulous story-and true!
![Papillon [Vhs]](https://www0.alibris-static.com/cover/t94398djj32_t.jpg)
![Papillon [Blu-ray]](https://www4.alibris-static.com/papillon-blu-ray/cover/w58633t5z34.jpg)
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