At the Death House Door

Tribute Steve James

For fifteen years Carroll Pickett served as death house chaplain to the “Walls” prison unit in Huntsville, Texas. There he presided over ninety-five executions, including the first lethal injection to take place anywhere in the world. After each execution, Pickett would make an audiotape documenting his time spent with the victim and the distress he felt over his own role in the death chamber. He was particularly affected by the execution of Carlos de Luna, whom he firmly believed to be innocent; evidence later turned up by two reporters from the Chicago Tribune suggests he was correct. A stirring montage of photographs, sound, and raw emotion, the film offers a daring and original commentary on the death penalty.  ST

Directors

Steve James, Peter Gilbert

Producers

Peter Gilbert, Steve James

Executive Producers

Debbie DeMontreux, Christine Lubrano, Gordon Quinn, Evan Shapiro, Alison Bourke

Editors

Steve James, Aaron Wickenden

Cinematographer

Peter Gilbert

Release Year

2008

Festival Year

2014

Country

United States

Run Time

96 minutes