converge on the store. While the men attempt to hide in a residential backyard, Jerry is shot and killed, while Max shoots a police officer. Max escapes with the loot, settles the score with Willy by murdering him, and flees Los Angeles with a loyal Jenny by his side. While driving through the Antelope Valley, Jenny hears a news bulletin on the radio detailing the extent of Max's crime, and the various deaths that occurred. She becomes upset, and forces Max to stop the car so she can vomit. A short time later, the couple arrive at a lone service station and diner near Palmdale. The two have drinks there, but Max has second thoughts as to their prospects on the lam, and implies that Jenny return to Los Angeles by bus. He decides to leave Jenny for her own good, resigning himself to a criminal life. Outside the diner, Jenny asks Max if he will call her. He says he wants to get caught, and drives away. The movie ends with a montage of his booking photos dating back to his teen years. Cast Production Development The screenplay was written by Alvin Sargent, Edward Bunker, and Jeffrey Boam, based on Bunker's novel No Beast So Fierce. Michael Mann served as an uncredited co-writer on the project. Filming Filming of Straight Time took place primarily in Los Angeles County, including Sylmar and Burbank, with additional photography occurring in San Bernardino. Principal photography began on February 9, 1977 at Folsom State Prison in Folsom, California, near Sacramento. In addition to portraying the lead character, Hoffman was originally hired to direct the film, and, according to producer Jerry Ziesmer, completed one day in this role. Ziesmer recalled that the first day of shooting at Folsom State Prison consisted primarily of a basic establishing shot, and that Hoffman requested constant camera resets, resulting in not a single frame being captured by the days' end. With the studio concerned about Hoffman's ability to complete the project in a timely manner, Hoffman stepped down as director, after which Ulu Grosbard was hired. Post-production The film became the subject of litigation between Hoffman and the First Artists Production Company over creative control. Before Hoffman had finished editing the film, First Artists exercised a clause to take over the project since the shoot had gone 23 days over schedule and approximately $1 million over budget. Hoffman's lawsuit