McMurphy has a criminal past and has once again got himself into trouble and is sentenced by the court. To escape labour duties in prison McMurphy pleads insanity and is sent to a ward for the mentally unstable. Once there McMurphy both endures and stands witness to the abuse and degradation by oppressive Nurse Ratched who gains superiority and power through the flaws of other inmates. McMurphy and the other inmates band together to make a rebellious stance against the dictatorial nurse. The 1975 film version of this play, starring Jack Nicholson, won several Academy Awards and remains a classic to this day.