Midnight Express1978

Billy Hayes:
What's Jimmy's story? Why is he in here? Hash?

Erich:
No. He was caught stealing from a mosque. That is also a heavy crime here in Turkey.

Billy Hayes:
What did he steal?

Erich:
Two candle sticks.

Billy Hayes:
That's all?

Erich:
That's all.

Billy Hayes:
Why? Why would he do that?

Erich:
Who knows? He's always been a wild child. He's got more balls then brains. Did you know that he was in here for a year-and-a-half before he told his parents what happened to him?

Billy Hayes:
What about you? What are you in for?

Erich:
Hashish. 90% of the foreigners here are in for hashish or drug related charges from smuggling to possession. My advice is you get yourself a very good lawyer and try to argue down the charge you face. If they make it possession, the sentence is lighter.

Billy Hayes:
What were you convicted of?

Erich:
Smuggling hash with the intent to sell.

Billy Hayes:
What sentence did you receive?

Erich:
12 years. I've been here for just over four years.

Billy Hayes:
How much did you have on you?

Erich:
100 grams.