House of Women (1962)

In the gripping drama, "House of Women" (1962), Erica Hayden, an expectant mother wrongfully accused, finds herself entangled in a web of crime and punishment. Falsely implicated in a crime she didn't commit, she is thrust into the harsh reality of a women's prison, sentenced to serve a five-year term. Her primary concern is not her innocence, but the uncertain future of her unborn child, a beacon of hope in her world of despair. The prison, a grim shadow of society, permits mothers to nurture their offspring until the tender age of three. But beyond that, the children must either find a sanctuary with a relative or friend outside the prison walls or be relinquished to State authorities for adoption. Erica finds herself in a desperate race against time, seeking a guardian for her child within the confines of her sentence. The prison doctor becomes an unlikely ally in her quest, yet the newly appointed warden, Frank Cole, remains a staunch adversary, firmly believing that the prison environment is no place for innocent children. Erica's only glimmer of hope hinges on the possibility of parole after three years. But when her plea is denied, and her child is abruptly taken away without a final farewell, it sparks a whirlwind of outrage among the inmates. In the face of inhumane conditions and crushing despair, they rise, igniting a riot that threatens to shake the very foundations of the prison system. "House of Women" is a poignant exploration of one woman's struggle for justice, not just for herself, but for her child, set against the backdrop of a cruel and unforgiving penal system. It's a powerful testament to a mother's love, resilience, and the enduring spirit of hope.

House of Women is a crime movie featuring Shirley Knight and directed by Walter Doniger.

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