Paris, France, early 19th century. The legendary convict François Vidocq lives in disguise trying to escape from a tragic past that torments him. When, after an unfortunate event, he crosses paths with the police chief, he makes a bold decision that will turn the ruthless mastermind of the Parisian underworld against him.
Un reduce senza lavoro viene costretto a partecipare ad una rapina ma viene preso e condannato. Fuggito dal carcere, lavora sotto falso nome e fa carriera. La padrona di casa scopre la sua vera identità e si fa sposare. Tempo dopo l'evaso si innamora di un'altra, chiede il divorzio alla moglie e questa lo denuncia, finendo nuovamente in galera.
Dopo dieci anni di ricerche i due killer Braddock (Hurt) e Myron (Roth) ritrovano il delinquente e traditore Parker (Stamp) in Spagna. L'attraversano in auto per portarlo a Parigi, braccati dalla polizia che non riesce a trovarli finché non sono loro a fermarsi.
Former chain gang convict Ed Martin converts to Christianity in prison in 1944 and forms the HopeAglow Prison Ministries.
A cowboy hears rumors that an old friend who once headed a criminal gang and had since gone straight is now back on the wrong side of the law. He goes to investigate.
A troubled girl involved in a female gang called The Croniks, commits a crime and is sent to a "Scared Straight" program to meet the reformed leader who created it 25 years ago.
A 1974 film based on the best-selling autobiography of Sonny Carson who joined a gang and committed petty crime before being sent to prison. After his release from prison he changes his life.
Crook Dave Darcy gets reformed by working in a steel mill owned by someone who witnessed his crime.