Gray Days 2005
Distributed by Fanlight Productions, 32 Court St., 21st Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201; 800-876-1710
Produced by Katherine Leggett
Directed by Katherine Leggett
DVD, color, 14 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Aging, American Studies, Crime, Criminal Justice, Death and Dying, Social Studies
Date Entered: 09/20/2006
Reviewed by David Magolis, Social Sciences Librarian, Bloomsburg University of PennsylvaniaGray Days is a short documentary that takes a look at the aging population within today’s prisons. The film incorporates a unique perspective of comparing and contrasting both a male and female who are incarcerated. The story focuses on two older prisoners, Lonnie, an 82 year old male convicted of second degree murder, and Shirley, 67, convicted of murder and sentenced to 19 years. This film is concise and cuts right to its contention by integrating true life stories in regards to prisoner experiences. Gray Days does an exceptional job at providing the viewer with an objective analysis of a very sensitive topic.
I recommend this program for high school or undergraduate classes examining sociology, social work, education, political science, and especially criminal justice. It is very accessible with high production values, and at 14 minutes, a good length for in-class viewing and discussion for collections that are looking for media to support social science programs geared toward the penal system.
Awards
- PASS Award, National Council on Crime & Delinquency