Straight Time / Исправительный срок 1978.

[candelabra]

Originally, Dustin Hoffman was directing the film. But he changed his mind after a few days of filming and hired Ulu Grosbard.

Dustin Hoffman visited the author of the source novel, Edward Bunker, in prison to express interest in making the novel into a film.
Hoffman's enthusiasm as well as excellent reviews helped prompt the authorities into releasing Bunker early.

Edward Bunker helped co-write the screenplay with Alvin Sargent when the latter came to visit him at San Quentin prison.
The film was in pre-production when Bunker was released.

Dustin Hoffman personally hired composer David Shire for the film.
Shire received a phone call from Hoffman one night at his home to the surprise of Shire and immediately accepted the assignment.

Ulu Grosbard was the person who gave Dustin Hoffman the novel "No Beast So Fierce" by Edward Bunker to read.
Hoffmann became fascinated with the project ever since he got the book.

Lead actor Dustin Hoffman prepared for his role as Max Dembo by visiting Folsom Prison.
Even though the film is predominantly set outside of jail, Hoffmann wanted the experience of the "conditioning" of penitentiary life
and atmosphere in order to characterize a man who had just been released from a gaol after serving a six year sentence.

The meaning of the film's "Straight Time" title refers to the post-prison activities of an ex-convict
who is not performing anymore criminal acts, as with the similar expression "Going Straight",
it being the title also of a number of other film & TV titles.