Cool Hand Luke (1967)

The professional partnership between director Stuart Rosenberg and actor Paul Newman can be seen in The Drowning Pool (1975), Pocket Money (1972), and the anti-establishment classic Cool Hand Luke (1967). Based on Donn Pearce’s 1950s-set novel, the latter flick centers around Lucas “Luke” Jackson (Newman). During a night fueled with alcohol, the titular troublemaker destroys parking meters in Florida. As you can guess, this leads to his arrest and a surprisingly harsh two-year prison sentence. Unlucky Luke is put on a chain gang led by Captain (Strother Martin), a sadistic warden. If he’s not bad enough, Luke must deal with Clarence “Dragline” Slidell (George Kennedy in an Oscar-winning turn), the leader of the inmates who he beats in a shirtless boxing match. As such, Newman’s knockout character garners the respect and admiration of his fellow prisoners. Nevertheless, Luke still wants to escape, especially since Captain and his cronies try in vain to break his spirit. Of course, Mr. Man’s spirits are on the rise (as well as another part of his anatomy) when Paul flashes his abs and ass while changing his clothes. Not to be outdone, Alibi (Ralph Waite) bares his chest and buns out in the burning sun. The drama also includes Dog Boy (Anthony Zerbe), Gambler (Wayne Rogers), Loudmouth Steve (Robert Drivas), Tramp (Harry Dean Stanton), and Babalugats (Dennis Hopper) who scrubs up his wet pecs during a group shower scene with these dudes. Needless to say, the sudsy studs will have your cool hand on your hot crotch!