Event

At the Death House Door

Carroll Pickett, veteran death house chaplain of 15 years reflects on his time presiding over executions at the "Walls" prison unit. He faithfully recorded audiotape accounts of each event- including the death that haunts him to this day...

At the Death House Door
Dir. Steve James, 2008, 94 min.
At the Death House Door follows the remarkable career journey of Carroll Pickett, who served 15 years as the death house chaplain to the infamous "Walls" prison unit in Huntsville, Texas. During that time he presided over 95 executions, including the very first lethal injection done anywhere in the world. After each execution, Pickett recorded an audiotape account of that fateful day. The film also tells the story of Carlos De Luna, a convict whose execution affected Pickett more than any other. Pickett firmly believed the man was innocent and two Chicago Tribune reporters turn up evidence that strongly suggests he was right.

Part of the 'Master Class: Steve James' series:
Identifying and surveying exemplary careers in documentary production through an expansive lens.

Curated by Sylvia Savadjian.