Movie latest in long line of films with escapes from prison

'Hannibal' makes a break for it

Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter

(CNN) -- The recent prison breaks in Texas and Alabama provided some real-life moments of drama for television viewers, but the subject has long been a source of creativity for Hollywood screenwriters. From "I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang" in the 1930s to 1993's "The Fugitive," the figure of the escaped convict has been a movie staple.

The new film "Hannibal," the sequel to "The Silence of the Lambs" opening Friday, is yet another film featuring an escaped convict -- in this case, villain extraordinaire Hannibal Lecter.

VIDEO CNN's Bill Tush looks beyond recent real-life prison escapes to find what holds moviegoers captive Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

What is the attraction of these characters?

"It's a classic mythological thing," says "Hannibal" star Anthony Hopkins, reprising his role as Lecter in "Hannibal." "In a way it's like watching Houdini get out of the box. What's he going to do next?"

CNN's Bill Tush took a look at prison breaks on film in a recent report.

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