Dead Man Walking: The Book, The Movie, and The Play Project

Sister Helen's book Dead Man Walking was instrumental in bringing widespread attention to the issue of the death penalty in the United States. The story's reach grew even wider after it was developed into a movie. Tim Robbins’ film adaptation of Dead Man Walking featured Susan Sarandon as Sister Helen, and Sean Penn as Matthew Poncelet – a character inspired by Robert Lee Willie. Both Robbins and Penn received Oscar nominations for their roles in the film - Best Director and Best Actor, respectively – with Sarandon winning Best Actress for her portrayal of Sister Helen. Following the success of the film, Tim Robbins rewrote the screenplay into a play for use in schools and colleges.

The items in this section highlight the process of writing the book, with letters to and from Sister Helen and her friend, agent, and editor. Also included are documents, photographs, and props Sr. Helen collected during the creation of the movie and play.

Letter from Gloria Loomis to Sr. Helen Prejean, 1989. Gloria went on to become Sr. Helen’s agent. This letter is from the very preliminary stages of Sr. Helen developing Dead Man Walking.

Letter from Bill McKibben to Sr. Helen Prejean, 1991. Friend and author, Bill McKibben offered suggestions throughout the writing process, as well providing the initial encouragement for Sister Helen to write a book about her experiences.

Letter from Sr. Helen Prejean to her editor at Random House, Jason Epstein, page 1, 1992. Jason’s comments and suggestions helped Sr. Helen immensely in the writing process. She says: “I’m learning so much in this first book, and am most grateful for your guidance and support, and, of course, your patience, as I wend my way and gradually sharpen my focus.”

Letter from Sr. Helen Prejean to Jason Epstein, page 2, 1992.

Cover of first edition of Dead Man Walking: an Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States by Sr. Helen Prejean, 1993.

Page from the draft of the Dead Man Walking screenplay by Tim Robbins, with comments by Sr. Helen. She talks about why the Sisters of St. Joseph don’t wear the habit and makes suggestions for more authentic dialog with the prison chaplain. Dated October, 1994.

Photograph of Susan Sarandon, Sr. Helen Prejean, and Tim Robbins on the set of Dead Man Walking, 1995. Courtesy of The Moratorium Campaign.

Photograph of Sr. Helen with Sean Penn as Matthew Poncelet on the set of Dead Man Walking, 1995.

Filming the lethal injection scene in Dead Man Walking. 1995.

Boots worn by Sean Penn in the movie Dead Man Walking. 1995.

Belt with handcuff ring worn by Sean Penn in the movie Dead Man Walking. 1995.

Photograph of Tim Robbins during the development of the Dead Man Walking play project, 2003.

Title page of Dead Man Walking stage adaptation signed by Sr. Helen Prejean and Tim Robbins, 2005.

Poster from Clifton High School, participants in the Dead Man Walking Play Project, 2007.

Letter from Victoria, student at San Francisco's Mercy High School, to Sr. Helen Prejean, 2010.

Letter from Valerie, student at San Francisco's Mercy High School, to Sr. Helen Prejean, 2010.

Photograph of Dead Man Walking play performed at Ferrum College, 2007.