Papillon (1973)

Henri “Papillon” Charierre is sentenced to life in prison and transported to the penal in French Guyana. Aboard ship on the voyage over, he meets Louis Dega, a forger. They form a bond that will last them a great many years. The conditions at the penal colony are horrific and Papillon desperately wants to escape. His first attempt ends quickly in failure and as a result he spends 2 years in solitary confinement. His next attempt is somewhat more successful and he actually spends a idyllic time with a tribe of Central America Indians. Once caught however, he does 5 years in solitary confinement. Once released, he decides to make one final attempt at freedom.
Franklin J. Schaffner
Steve McQueen, Dustin Hoffman, Victor Jory, Don Gordon
13 Dec 1973 (France, USA)
Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 1 nomination.tt0070511 , Prison, Escape From Prison, Devil’s Island