Which is why we’ve put together the top 10 obscure London sights:

10. Kennington Park Memorial Stone

This unassuming stone in a South London park hides a wartime story as tragic and dramatic as any of the more famous ones. During the Blitz, a trench shelter was built in Kennington Park, for local residents to shelter in during the German air raids. The trenches were very basic and intended for short-term, emergency use, but ended up being used on a regular basis for up to 12 hours at a time.  The design was somewhat flawed, with a local vicar noting that “any bomb falling inside the grid between the trenches would create an earth shock wave sufficient to crush the trenches”.

He was right – on the night of October 15th, a 50lb bomb fell on the trench and it collapsed in burying the occupants alive. People worked through the night clearing debris but it was in vain, and there were 104 deaths. Of the 104 to die, only 48 have ever been recovered, and the rest are still buried beneath the park somewhere. So when you visit the standing stone, you aren’t only visiting the memorial you’re also visiting the grave. It’s a sobering thought and a reminder of just how many people suffered in London during the Second World War.

9. Broad St Pump

There’s more death and suffering in our next tale – but this one had a remarkable outcome, with worldwide effects. In 1854, an outbreak of cholera in Soho, Central London, caused 127 deaths within a few days. Within a week, 616 people had died and many others were fleeing for their lives. At the time, it was believed that disease spread by breathing “bad air”.

Physician John Snow was skeptical of this theory and began working on his own. Mapping out the incidences of cholera in the neighborhood, he found that they all centered around the water pump on Broad Street (now Broadwick Street), which was later found to be next to a sewage-filled hole. Cholera had got into the hole from a baby’s nappy, which then got into the water system through the Broad Street pump. Snow removed the handle of the pump, which stopped people using it and which then stopped the outbreak (though some say it was in decline already). At the time, the authorities refused to believe it as they didn’t want the public to think they allowed the water to be contaminated. Later, however, Snow’s work became the basis of our modern understanding of how disease spreads.

The pump is still there today, outside a pub called The John Snow and it’s worth a visit to see the place where one man’s work changed modern medicine.

8. Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice, Postman’s Park.

Postman’s Park is a green space in the City of London, which is unusual enough, but what makes this park really unusual is the monument to heroic self-sacrifice. Unveiled in 1900, it was designed to celebrate the sacrifice of ordinary people. This was revolutionary at the time, as monuments commemorated the great and notable, not the humble and unknown. Tributes included one to Alice Ayres, who “by intrepid conduct saved 3 children from a burning house in Union Street Borough at the cost of her own young life” shortly before her 17th birthday. Others were trampled by runaway horses or burnt in factory fires, but all saved others in doing so. It’s a humbling tribute to the common bravery of people who never knew they would get a tribute.

7. The Golden Boy of Pye Corner

Another statue to a disaster of the past, but a famous one this time. The Great Fire of London broke out in 1666 and raged for 5 days, leaving 70,000 homes destroyed by reportedly only 6 people dead. Because the fire started in a bakery, God-fearing Londoners blamed the fire on sin of gluttony and God’s wrath toward the city. This golden boy was erected on Pye corner, Smithfields, where the fire stopped, and he is suitably plump to illustrate the gluttony. Worth seeing as a piece of London history.

6. Paddington Bear Statue, Paddington Station

This is a very different piece of London culture, but a charming one nonetheless. The Paddington books, about a polite Peruvian bear, were first published in 1958 and have become a classic of children’s literature. He was named Paddington as he was found in Paddington station (with a label around his neck saying “please look after this bear”) and in 2000, Marcus Cornish created a statue of him in the station in his honor. If you’re passing through Paddington on the way to the West Country, make sure you look out for the bear, lounging by the escalators with his marmalade sandwich.

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10. Scarface

For anyone who has seen the seminal 1983 film that helped solidify Al Pacino as an iconic actor of cult status as well as mainstream success, the chainsaw scene sticks out. With its gruesome visuals and haunting screams, that scene has been subject of much debate by groups advocating less violence in film. What you may not know is that there is a film goof in that scene. If you have the film on dvd, you can watch very closely just as the deal goes down, the man with the chainsaw jumps out of the window. If you look closely you can see the gray crash pad he lands on as its corners lift up into the shot!

9. Twilight

Vampires don’t have to worry about their reflection usually, but cameramen often do. While trying to avoid being in the shot, crew members have to go to extra lengths and often have to think outside of the box to keep from being seen. During this scene, that was seemingly impossible for the poor cameraman and boom operator. As Bella pulls up in her truck for her first day in the high school, as she parks you can clearly see the camera and boom reflected in the triangle shaped window.

8. Planet of the Apes

The Planet of the Apes is one of the most iconic films in movie history. Charlton Heston’s tour de force, the incredible costumes and post apocalyptic story keep this well shot and well acted film a favorite among movie buffs everywhere. Yet there are still goofs if you know where to look for them. During the scene with the Museum of Natural History, there are tons of posed fake displays. If you look closely however, you can see that they are actually real people pretending to be displays. This is especially evident with posed displays holding things as you can see them sway a bit.

7. Ocean’s Eleven

Ocean’s Eleven films are known for their whimsical nature and fun feel with mega movie stars having fun being in an ensemble cast. Throwing back to the days of the original Rat Pack of Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis and they’re raucous days of parties, the set seems like it would be a blast to be on. With so many good friends having so much fun on set, it’s easy to see where sometimes little details might get lost. Such is the case with the shrimp plate during the Botanical Garden scene. As Brad Pitts character has a conversation there are three different shots of him talking that show him holding either a cocktail glass or a plate with shrimp.

6. Spiderman

Spiderman has a ton going for it. It was one of the first of the big budget superhero films, it starred Toby Maguire absolutely owning the role of Peter Parker, great CGI and effects and a cameo by director Sam Rami’s friend and partner in Evil Dead cult movie legend Bruce Campbell. Yet with any major film, there are always things that slip through the cracks, and Rami’s Spiderman is no different. In one scene, when Peter shoots a web at his lamp in his bedroom it smashes against the wall and shatters. Yet when Aunt May comes in to talk to Peter just seconds later, the lamp is completely visible on the dresser in one piece!

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10. Rubber Band Paint Can

Whenever you have to paint a room, there is always the worry of the mess you are about to make to do it. With hardwood floors there is so much worry of never seeing your deposit again that you might refrain from ever painting an ugly color off. As we all know, wiping the paintbrush on the sides of the can not only causes a mess on the can, but simply doesn’t work well enough that it seems worth it. This is where simple ingenuity comes in. Wrap a rubber band around the can, directly over the middle of the open mouth of the container. When pulling your brush out, wipe it across the rubber band. This keeps the mess off the sides and cuts down dramatically on spillage.

9. Straw Tab

Popping open a can of soda is a great way to refresh yourself and get that much needed caffeine jolt. But for those who want to keep potential messes to a minimum, or don’t want soda to get to their teeth, there is a simple solution for that roaming straw. Simply turn the tab around so its larger hole is now over the open mouth, and stick a straw through. The tab will keep the straw in place and is a near perfect size!

8. Velcro Remotes

Remote controls get lost easily, this we all know. It is subject to cheap jokes by standup comedians and has caused all of us many hours of dashing about in our living rooms, searching in couch cushions. If you have children or elderly living in your home, the chances of your remote control going for a jaunt to the freezer door is even a possibility on occasion. Yet, most of the time, the main reason remotes get lost is that there isn’t a good place to put them when you don’t need them that is still easily accessible. This is where Velcro strips come in. Should you happen to own a coffee table, simply Velcro one side to the side of the table facing your couch and the other to the back of the remote control. Now you have a place to put your controller that’s out of the way and doesn’t require you to go searching every half hour.

7. Trash Can Holes

Taking out the trash is one of those few jobs that is necessary and simple, yet no one wants to do it. Most of that trepidation comes from the fear of what will happen if the bag rips or doesn’t come out easily. For the latter issue, there is a simple solution that can help out immensely. By drilling two holes near the bottom of the can, you create an escape for the air that keeps it from vacuuming the bag down and forcing you to tug at the potential time bomb of trash bag handles in your hands.

6. Empty Space in Microwave

Have you ever cooked something in the microwave, say bagel pizzas, and noticed that the ones on the edge have barely melted cheese, while the one in the middle is fried beyond comprehension and is a mass of molten cheese and sauce lava? This situation, which plagues many a college dorm dweller, is an easy fix, provided you have a big enough microwave. By creating an empty space in the middle of the microwavable container, the remaining food will now cook evenly. This leads well into our next idea…

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10. Limbo

Limbo, despite being that one game everyone knows how to do, yet only seems to exist on cruise ships, has their own world records. While this isn’t too hard to imagine, the world limbo records are fiercely competitive. Well, fiercely competitive would be rather relative considering one of the world record holders (of a limbo just over 5 inches high!) is 50 years old, and not likely to brawl over a dispute.

9. Stacking Cups

Wayne Godinet introduced the first formations and dubbed the sport “Karango Cup Stack”, which eventually developed into World Sport Stacking Association. The idea is to stack cups in a pre-determined formation, competing against another player or against the clock, attempting to have the best time with perfect formation. The sport has world record holders that are as old as their 30s and as young as under 10!

8. Highest Freefall

On October 14, 2012, Felix Baumgartner did something so certifiably crazy it assured him a spot on this list. Felix, in a mission sponsored by the energy drink Red Bull, rode a rocket straight up to the edge of space and jumped out. While he deployed his parachute just 4 seconds before longest freefall record holder Joseph Kittinger did, he surpassed Kittinger’s distance and speed. Interestingly Kittinger was on the team that helped design the capsule and suit that Baumgartner wore on his gigantic dive. As the world watched via the internet, Felix Baumgartner showed the world what breaking a world record looks like live.

7. Longest Time Spent Buried Alive

There are jokes to be made about how parts of Eastern Europe are a little behind on the rest of the Western World’s culture, and therefore have a penchant to get bored easily. This record, set by Zdenek Zahradka of the Czech Republic is just a little further from a joke and into the downright crazy. Zahradka survived 10 days buried underground inside a coffin, with no food or water and only a breathing pipe. His only connection to the outside world was a small tube to breathe through, and yet he beat the previous record by a whopping 6 days.

6. Fastest Hundred Meters Run On All Fours

Japan’s Kenichi Ito is the fastest man alive… on all fours. In November of 2012, Ito broke his own record (set in 2008) for the fastest hundred meter dash on all fours according to Guinness. Modeling his running style after the Afriacan Patas Monkey, Ito has a total of six running styles for his four legged races. What may be more indicative of his mental state than the fact that he set the record is that he has been quoted as saying that he is certain one day “that all sprinters will be running on all fours”.

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10. The Spanish Revolution

Beginning with the start of the Spanish Civil War in 1936, the Spanish Revolution was a social upheaval that saw a large percentage of the nation’s workforce taking over and controlling an equally large percentage of the nation’s economy. More prevalent in some areas than others, the Revolution saw the collectivization of all manner of businesses- from hotels and health clubs to barber shops and market places. Coinciding with the Civil War which brought about the end of the 2^nd Spanish Republic and the beginning of Franco’s rule following a Nationalist victory- most of the action took place in Catalonia, Aragon and Andalusia. Though it was eventually quashed by Franco- the Revolution went a long way to instill a value in the Spanish people which many would attribute as a main reason for the countries neutrality during WWII.

9. The French Revolution

Occurring over a ten-year period between 1789 and 1799, the French Revolution was a huge politically, socially and militarily influenced alteration of the inner workings of a nation which had been governed by a sole monarch for the best part of a millennium. The complete infrastructure upon which France was built, and had been maintained up until this point, was pulled up roots and all by numerous left-wing movements all of which were in pursuit of a reconfiguration of the aristocratic and feudal power structure. The Revolution was a shockingly powerful success- deposing and executing the absolute monarch Louis XVI within just a few years and completely transforming the way things worked within the country. It did result in the rise of Napoleon however, and so we must take the good as well as the bad.

8. The Cuban Revolution

The Cold War must have been an extremely uneasy time to be around. Following Allied victory in the Second World War the same nations that had fought to defeat Hitler in Europe all of a sudden were at each-other’s throats. A main player in this conflict, and perhaps the only nation to see some actual conflict throughout- was Cuba. Though largely a political tiff for the first 5 years, the Cuban Revolution eventually saw the Communist ‘26^th of July Movement’- led by Fidel Castro in conjunction with the infamous Che Guevara enter fierce combat to bring about the end of the corrupt Batista Regime and bring about the Communist ethos which governs the island nation to this day.

7. The Irish War of Independence

Always a controversial subject to cover, at least in the part of the world I come from- the Irish Revolution took place from 1919-1921 and saw a Republican Army (IRA) fight to liberate their nation from British dominion. Though the violence has been somewhat continuous since this time- the war ended with a political treaty which saw the division of the nation into two separate states- Northern Ireland, which remains as part of the UK to this day- and the Republic of Ireland. Largely a guerrilla conflict- the war, also known as the ‘Anglo-Irish War’ and the ‘Black and Tan War’- is often disregarded for what it really was- a nation fighting for its right to govern its own self.

6. The Young Turk Revolution

Acting to restore a democratic Parliament which had been dissolved previously by Sultan Abdul Hamid II- the Young Turk Revolution saw the nation of Turkey enter its second constitutional era. Formed from a coalition between nationalists, secularists and pluralists- the Revolution was a key factor in the fall of the Ottoman Empire and marked a huge change in the political and social make-up of the country.

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10. Test your Thermostat

When it comes to climate control there is probably no device that is as important to this job as your thermostat. A thermostat that is only a couple of degrees off can actually cost you a lot of money and one that is off by several degrees can cost you a small fortune. For this reason its important to test your thermostat at least once during the onset of winter and once during the onset of summer. An easy way to do this is to get a thermometer set up next to or near the thermostat itself and see if the two read the same. If the thermostat seems to be off then you should call a repair person as quickly as possible.

9. Clean the Air Ducts

Most homes are heated and cooled by some form of central air unit. This unit creates hot or cold air and then delivers it to the rest of the house by blowing it through a series of air ducts. As this air travels along the duct it can be slowed down by debris along the airs path and this causes the fans to work harder to get the air through the duct. The problem with cleaning air ducts is that it can require special tools and sometimes you need to call a professional so this is something that only really needs to be done once a year or so.

8. Dress for the Weather

Dressing for the weather is one of those common sense ideas that no one ever seems to take seriously because they really don’t understand the impact it has. How many times have you or someone you know felt like it was a little cold inside and turned up the heat? Now how often have you or someone you known been dressed in shorts and a t-shirt when you noticed it was cold and so turned up the eat? While it may seem kind of funny, people do this all the time. If the temperature seems a bit low the first thing you should do is put on warmer clothes before turning up the heat.

7. Keep Other People Away from the Thermostat

Whether it is children, family or visitors, other people love to change the thermostat without bothering to let anyone know about it and this can cost you money. The best way to handle making sure the thermostat isn’t fiddled with is buying a new one with a coded panel, but that can cost a bit of money. The next best step is to simply check it when there are other people in the home.

6. Uncover all your air ducts

Air ducts never seem to be put in a good place. When air ducts are placed in the floor it seems to be right where you want to put your couch. When air ducts are in the wall it seems that’s right where you want to place your entertainment center. The problem this creates is that a covered air duct is not near as efficient as one that isn’t and this can force the heater or air conditioning unit to try to put out more hot or cold air. As you begin taking weatherization steps take some time and make sure that every air duct is uncovered.

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10. LIVE! WITH KELLY

This particular talk show was formerly known as The Morning Show, Live! Regis and Kathie Lee, Live! with Regis and Kelly and finally they settled on Live! with Kelly. This is an American morning talk show and it is hosted by Kelly Ripa. It started airing in the year 1983 in New York City and it went 1988 worldwide. The show now airs in high definition and it has been the case since the year 2008. So far the show has aired around 29 seasons comprising of 7,408 episodes each running for sixty minutes. Wow, that is a lot of airtime. The show was created by WABC-TV and it takes the tenth spot on our list.

9. DR. PHIL

I am pretty sure you guys are familiar with Dr. Phil as a person. The show is hosted by Phil McGraw and it debuted on the 16th September of the year 2002. He is a clinical psychologist so he offers life strategies on the show. The show is syndicated throughout the United States and apparently is quite popular with the audiences. The tenth seasons of Dr. Phil premiered in September 2011. So far, they have aired around ten seasons with 1,671 episodes each running for around 45 to 48 minutes. Interestingly, the show is created by Oprah Winfrey herself and it originates from the United States of America.

8. FRIDAY NIGHT WITH JONATHAN ROSS

This is the first British talk show on this list. It is a comedy show and needless to say, it is presented by Jonathan Ross. Originally, the show was broadcasted on BBC One in November of 2001. He interviews around three different guests per episode. The final series began in January of 2010 and it ended in July of 2010. The most frequent guests on the show were Ricky Gervais and Jack Dee, Jeremy Clarkson and Eddie Izzard. The show comprises of 18 series with a total of 274 episodes each running for an approximate of sixty five minutes. The show is written by Jonathan Ross, Shaun Pye, Fraser Steele, Jim Pullin and Jez Stevenson.

7. LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O’BRIEN

This is a late night talk show based in United States. It is hosted by Conan O’Brien and so far it has aired around 2,725 episodes on NBC between the years 1993 and 2009. It is primarily a comedy talk show consisting of celebrity interviews, musical and comedic performances and celebrity interviews. The show is created by Conan O’Brien and is narrated by Joel Godard. It airs from the NBC Studios in New York, New York and each episode runs for around 42 to 43 minutes.

6. THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO

This too is an American late-night show and is hosted by Jay Leno. It originally aired from May of 1992 to May of 2009 and then the production resumed in the year 2010. So far, a total of nineteen seasons have aired comprising of 4,306 episodes. It is recorded in the NBC Studios in Burbank California and each episode runs for over 50 minutes. The show is divided into six different segments, so to speak and Jay Leno does an awesome job pulling those segments off. The show is about current topics, different headlines, a lot of comedy and interviews as well.

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10. ELYSIUM

At the tenth spot we have the movie Elysium. It stars Jodie Foster, William Fichtner, Sharlto Copley and Matt Damon. Also, you should be interested to know that this movie is actually a follow-up to District 9. Well, not many details are currently known about this movie but who cares? Look at what the cast is and the movie it actually follows-up. Should be awesome and awesome!

9. 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA: CAPTAIN NEMO

I am sure you have heard about the director Daivd Fincher. He hardly ever disappoints you now right? Remember, the curious case of Benjamin Button? Also, he was the one behind the Social Network and boy was that good. This movie should be all about Nemo. The entire focus is on how he actually created his underwater vessel referred to by the name of The Nautilus. It is actually a remake of Disney but from a David point of view. I have a pretty good feeling about this movie. Enjoy it when it comes out.

8. PACIFIC RIM

If I asked you to take on guess as to who the director of this particular movie is I am pretty sure you would be able to guess it on the second try. You are right folks, the director is in fact Guillermo del Toro. Although he doesn’t really have time to make any movie, at least that’s what we believe based on a very simple reason. His last movie was Hellboy II and it was released in the year 2008. The story is set in the future and there are these weird creatures that threaten our lovely planet. I am just excited to have him direct another movie finally, I hope you guys feel the same.

7. THE HOBBIT: THERE AND BACK AGAIN

The Hobbit is supposed to be released in 2012 and already the second part is under consideration and all set to release in the year 2013. The good part about the movie is that it should actually attract all the Lord of the Rings fan so you can technically look at it as an extension to the LOTR series. Lord of the Rings did a great job and I am pretty sure that the studios will do tremendously with these two movies as well. I am sure you are aware of the cast. It is good, though there are a lot of characters that do not belong; characters from Lord of the Rings that is.

6. THE GANGSTER SQUAD

This movie is actually a follow-up to Zombieland if you remember. It was directed by Ruben Fleischer. The movie is set in the 40s and 50s; yeah I know a long time ago, something you’re probably not used to anymore considering the sci-fi movies. Anyway, it is based on an article written by Paul Liberman. It was published in LA Times. It was called Gangster Squad. The reason it is this exciting for me is the absolutely awesome cast. It includes Josh Brolin, Anthony Mackie, Sean Penn and Ryan Gosling. Hulky isn’t it? Yeah, I agree!

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10. LUDACRIS

He earned $12 million in the year 2011.

Christopher Brian Bridges was born on the 11^th September of year 1977. He is an actor and a rapper from the States. He is also the co-founder of Disturbing the Peace. He has won a Screen Actors Guild, Critic’s Choice, MTV and three Grammy Awards. He was born in Champaign, Illinois at then moved to Atlanta Georgia. His career started in the year 1997. His latest record was released in the year 2010 called Battle of the Sexes. Interestingly, he started his career as a disc jockey.

9. AKON

He earned $13 million in the year 2011.

His real name is Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam and he was born on the 16^th April of 1973. He is a songwriter, record producer, rapper and also a businessman. He rose to fame in the year 2004 with the first single of his debut album Trouble. The single was called Locked Up. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri in United States and his career started in the year 1996. He originates from Dakar in Senegal. I loved his song by the name of ‘yeah’. That’s when I discovered him.

8. DR DRE

He earned $14 million in the year 2011.

He was born on the 18^th February of 1965 and his birth name is Andre Romelle Young. He is an entrepreneur, rapper, record producer and record executive. He founded and is currently the CEO of Aftermath Entertainment. He has produced albums for many acclaimed rappers such as Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent and Game. He was born in Compton, California and his origins lie in Los Angeles, California. His career started in the year 1983 and he is known for this trademark ‘beats’ audio.

7. SNOOP DOGG

He earned $14 million in the year 2011.

His actual name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. and he was born on the 20^th October of year 1971. I personally do not like his work. He is an actor, rapper and record producer based in America. His career started in the year 1992 and is into Hip hop, reggae and dub. Due to many reasons he is also known as Snoop Lion now instead of Snoop Dogg. His debut album was released in 1993 by the name of ‘doggystyle’. It ranked number one on Billboard 200 and R&B charts.

6. EMINEM

He earned $14 million in the year 2011.

He was born on the 17^th October of 1972 in Saint Joseph, Missouri, United States. His career started in 1992. His birth name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III and he was originally known as Slim Shady. He is a rapper, record producer, actor and songwriter based in America. Eminem rose to popularity in the year 1999. He is one of the rappers I do not really like as well.

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10. GANDHI

It was Richard Attenborough’s lifelong dream to bring the life story of Indian political and spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi to the screen. When it finally reached fruition in 1982, the 188-minute, Oscar-winning Gandhi was one of the most exhaustively thorough biopics ever made. The film begins in the early part of the 20th century, when Mohandas K. Gandhi (Ben Kingsley), a British-trained lawyer, forsakes all worldly possessions to take up the cause of Indian independence.

9. WHAT DREAMS MAY COME

Based on a metaphysical 1978 novel by science fiction and horror author Richard Matheson, this romantic fantasy-drama won an Oscar for its expensive and impressive visual vistas depicting an imaginative afterlife. Robin Williams stars as Chris Nielsen, a doctor who has suffered with his artist wife Annie (Annabella Sciorra) through the devastating loss of their children, Marie and Ian, who were killed in a car accident. Although Annie’s all-consuming depression nearly destroyed their marriage, the couple rebuilt their relationship and are now living out a comfortable middle age.

8. BRAVEHEART

The story begins with young Wallace, whose father and brother have been killed fighting the English, being taken into the custody of his uncle, a nationalist and pre-Renaissance renaissance man. He returns twenty years later, a man educated both in the classics and in the art of war. There he finds his childhood sweetheart Murron (Catherine McCormack), and the two quickly fall in love. There are murmurs of revolt against the English throughout the village, but Wallace remains aloof, wishing simply to tend to his crops and live in peace. However, when his love is killed by English soldiers the day after their secret marriage (held secretly so as to prevent the local English lord from exercising the repulsive right of prima noctae, the privilege of sleeping with the bride on the first night of the marriage), he springs into action and single-handedly slays an entire platoon of foot soldiers.

7. ROCKY

Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), a Philadelphia boxer, is but one step removed from total bum-hood. A once-promising pugilist, Rocky is now taking nickel-and-dime bouts and running strongarm errands for local loan sharks to survive. Even his supportive trainer, Mickey (Burgess Meredith), has given up on Rocky. All this changes thanks to Muhammad Ali-like super-boxer Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). With the Bicentennial celebration coming up, Creed must find a “Cinderella” opponent for the big July 4th bout — some unknown whom Creed can “glorify” for a few minutes before knocking him cold.

6. THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION

In 1946, a banker named Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is convicted of a double murder, even though he stubbornly proclaims his innocence. He’s sentenced to a life term at the Shawshank State Prison in Maine, where another lifer, Ellis “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman), picks him as the new recruit most likely to crack under the pressure. The ugly realities of prison life are quickly introduced to Andy: a corrupt warden (Bob Gunton), sadistic guards led by Capt. Byron Hadley (Clancy Brown), and inmates who are little better than animals, willing to use rape or beatings to insure their dominance. But Andy does not crack: he has the hope of the truly innocent, which (together with his smarts) allow him to prevail behind bars.

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