The symbolism of Luke as a Christ figure is well known. But I had a thought that perhaps this might extend to the idea that the other prisoners represent Christ's 12 disciples.

From the IMDB, I garnered the following list:

Geroge Kenendy as Dragline
J. D. Cannon as Society Red
Lou Antonio as Koko
Robert Drivas as Loudmouth Steve
Marc Cavell as Rabbitt
Richard Davolos as Blind Dick
Warren Finnerty as Tattoo
Wayne Rogers as Gambler
Harry Dean Stanton as Tramp
Ralph Waite as Alibi
Anthony Zerbe as Dog Boy
Buck Kartalian as Dynamite

This covers the credited cast, and numbers exactly 12. Included in the uncredited cast are:

Joe Don Baker as Fixer
James Gammon as Sleepy

I'm not sure all of these are prisoners, some might be other characters. Any corrections or thoughts on the role of the other prisoners, who seek to derive their strength from Luke and are lost when he leaves, just like Jesus' disciples?

Jerry