We went to Arizona to film the interiors of Stir Crazy in an actual prison. From Tucson, where we all stayed, it was an hour-and-a-half drive to the Arizona State Penitentiary. Sidney used real prisoners as extras. They had all been cleared by the prison authorities to work with us, and each prisoner was paid for every day he worked.
In his book "Kiss Me Like a Stranger," Gene Wilder recalls the experience of filming the interiors of the movie Stir Crazy in an Arizona prison. The production team stayed in Tucson and made a lengthy drive to the Arizona State Penitentiary to capture authentic scenes. This choice added a layer of realism to the setting, bringing the film's narrative to life in a unique way.
Wilder notes that the film's director, Sidney, made the unconventional decision to use real prisoners as extras in the film. Each participant was thoroughly vetted by prison authorities, ensuring their suitability for the project, and they were compensated for their contributions on set. This approach not only enriched the film's authenticity but also provided a unique interaction between the cast and the incarcerated individuals.
