Lock Up 1989

Frank Leone's Life in Hoboken

Frank Leone, a talented mechanic and former football player, lives in Hoboken, New Jersey. As he nears the end of his sentence at a low-security prison, he enjoys fixing cars in his garage and cherishing memories of his childhood with his late father.

A Night of Abrupt Change

One fateful night, while Frank sleeps in his cell, prison guards drag him away to the maximum-security Gateway Prison. This unexpected transfer marks the beginning of a harrowing ordeal for Leone, plunging him into a world ruled by the tyrannical Warden Drumgoole.

Unresolved History with Drumgoole

Frank Leone shares an unresolved history with Warden Drumgoole, having previously escaped from Treadmore during a prior incarceration. His escape was fueled by the desire to see his dying mentor, a request cruelly denied by Drumgoole, leading to their ongoing enmity.

Bonding with Fellow Inmates

Inside Gateway Prison, Frank forms meaningful relationships with fellow inmates Dallas, Eclipse, and First-Base. Together, they embark on the restoration of a Ford Mustang, which they affectionately name 'Maybelline.'

Chaos Erupts with Maybelline

During a moment of levity, First-Base starts the engine of the Mustang, leading to an uncontrollable crash out of the garage. This incident angers Warden Drumgoole, who responds ruthlessly by punishing Frank with six weeks of solitary confinement.

Manipulation and Betrayal

Warden Drumgoole manipulates the environment to allow violent inmates, led by Chink Weber, to attack Frank in the gym. Even after defeating Chink, Frank becomes a victim of betrayal when one of Chink's accomplices stabs him, complicating his struggle for survival.

Threats to Melissa

While recuperating in the infirmary, Frank learns of a conspiracy against his girlfriend Melissa, orchestrated by Chink. This revelation incites a fierce determination within him to protect her at all costs, fueling his resilience against the oppressive prison system.

Trapped by Betrayal

In a devastating twist, Frank is led into a trap by his ally Dallas, who has succumbed to betrayal under Warden Drumgoole's influence. This betrayal places both Dallas and Frank in grave jeopardy as they navigate the cruel machinations of the prison guards.

Fierce Battles for Survival

Confronting the sadistic guards, Frank engages in several fierce battles that test his physical and mental limits. Each encounter is fraught with danger, as he endures unimaginable trials while fighting for justice and survival within the brutal prison environment.

Leone's Righteous Fury

Fueled by righteous fury, Frank confronts Warden Drumgoole, securing him in the electric chair meant for misdeeds. In a dramatic standoff, he threatens to execute Drumgoole, revealing the warden's plot to prolong his sentence and exposing the corruption within the system.

Judicial Inquiry

Frank's bold actions prompt a judicial inquiry into Warden Drumgoole's corrupt practices and malevolent treatment of inmates. The inquiry sheds light on the injustices within the prison system, leading to increased scrutiny of the warden's rule.

Frank's Release

Ultimately, Frank is released from prison after serving only the original time required, much to the joy of his fellow inmates. The cheers of his friends echo in his ears as he finally steps back into the world beyond the prison walls.

Parting Words with Inmates

As Frank prepares to leave, he shares heartfelt parting words with his fellow inmates, particularly Eclipse. He receives a cigar rumored to have been gifted by Fidel Castro, marking a symbolic farewell to his time in prison.