Originally broadcast on the PBS series Independent Lens, Susanne Mason's documentary prolife of Fred Arispe Cruz (1939-1986) highlights the achievements of a forgotten figure in 20th-century prison reform. Arrested for armed robbery in San Antonio, TX, in 1960, Cruz lacked proper legal defense, and was swiftly sentenced to serve 50 years (Cruz always maintained his innocence). Appalled by the brutal treatment of prisoners, Cruz rose above his meager education, taking advantage of the prison's law library to educate himself and use the legal system as a means of securing penal reforms. His activism was not appreciated by prison authorities: Cruz was subjected to months in solitary confinement as a means of halting his crusade, but he would not be deterred, pushing on with the assistance of sympathetic civil rights lawyers. Cruz's dogged determination would lay the groundwork for the landmark 1980 prison reform case Ruiz v. Estelle on cruel and unusual punishment. Incorporating archival footage, interviews, and passionate readings of Cruz's letters, prison diaries, and wonderfully cogent legal writings by actor Jesse Borrego, Writ Writer presents an extraordinary portrait of a brave and indefatigable man who stood up to insurmountable odds. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (P. Hall)
Writ Writer
(2008) 54 min. DVD: $29.99: individuals; $129 w/PPR: high schools & public libraries; $275 w/PPR: colleges & universities. New Day Films. Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1-57448-233-1. Volume 24, Issue 3
Writ Writer
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