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?

Mark Kermode traces the history of this unexpected audience favourite, from its source in Stephen King's novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, through the icy corridors of Ohio's Mansfield Reformatory (whose imposing gothic architecture dominates the film), to the television and video screens on which The Shawshank Redemption 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.

This new edition, published to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Shawshank's release, includes a new foreword by Mark Kermode re-assessing the film's impact and legacy.

Mark Kermode is a writer and broadcaster. He is chief film critic for The Observer, and co-presenter of Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review on BBC Radio 5 and The Film Review on the BBC News channel. He is the author of several books including The Exorcist (2020, BFI Film Classics), Silent Running (2014, BFI Film Classics), How Does it Feel? (2018), Hatchet Job (2013), The Good, the Bad and the Multiplex (2011), and It’s Only a Movie (2010).