The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›Midnight Express (film)
Entertainment • Film

Midnight Express (film)

Midnight Express is a 1978 American-British prison drama directed by Alan Parker and based on Billy Hayes’s memoir about his imprisonment in Turkey after a drug-smuggling arrest.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Midnight Express is a 1978 American-British prison drama directed by Alan Parker and based on Billy Hayes’s memoir about his imprisonment in Turkey after a drug-smuggling arrest. The film stars Brad Davis as Hayes and became known for its depiction of prison abuse, escape attempts, and its award-winning soundtrack and screenplay. It won two Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score.

Plot

The story centres on Billy Hayes, an American student arrested in Turkey for trying to smuggle hashish out of the country. It follows his imprisonment and efforts to survive and escape from a Turkish prison after being convicted of drug smuggling. The film is framed as a harsh prison drama based on a real-life case.

Production and source material

The film is adapted from Billy Hayes’s memoir Midnight Express (1977), written with William Hoffer, which recounts his experiences after his 1970 arrest in Turkey. Oliver Stone wrote the screenplay, and Alan Parker directed the production.

Release and reception

Midnight Express was released in 1978 and received major awards recognition, including Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score. It was also nominated for Best Picture and Best Director at the 51st Academy Awards.

Legacy

The film is remembered as one of the best-known prison dramas of the 1970s and for its intense portrayal of incarceration and escape. Its title refers to prison slang for an escape attempt.

Key facts

  • The film follows Billy Hayes, an American student arrested in Turkey for trying to smuggle hashish out of the country.
  • It is adapted from Hayes’s 1977 memoir, written with William Hoffer.
  • Alan Parker directed the film, and Oliver Stone wrote the screenplay.
  • Brad Davis plays Billy Hayes, with John Hurt, Randy Quaid, and Irene Miracle in supporting roles.
  • The film won two Academy Awards: Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score.
🍁
Canadian context

The film is available and discussed in Canadian English-language media and has been distributed internationally, but it has no specifically Canadian setting or subject matter.

Frequently asked questions

What is Midnight Express about?
It follows Billy Hayes, an American student arrested in Turkey for drug smuggling and imprisoned in harsh conditions while trying to escape.
Who directed Midnight Express?
Alan Parker directed the film.
Who wrote the screenplay?
Oliver Stone wrote the screenplay, adapting Billy Hayes’s memoir.
Who stars in Midnight Express?
Brad Davis stars as Billy Hayes, with Irene Miracle, Bo Hopkins, Randy Quaid, and John Hurt in supporting roles.
What awards did Midnight Express win?
It won Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score.
What is the title referring to?
The title is prison slang for an escape attempt.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnight_Express_(film)
    Supports: Director, screenplay, cast, plot, release year, and Academy Award nominations and wins
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Midnight-Express
    Supports: Film identification and general overview
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/midnight_express
    Supports: Plot summary, director, producers, screenplay credits, runtime, and release information
  4. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/759396
    Supports: Basic synopsis, cast, and release year