I posted this on another good music forum, but got no answer:

The section of the movie "Cool Hand Luke" where Luke's mother dies and Luke sings 'Plastic Jesus' is something I will always remember from now on. I initially saw the movie as a senior in high school in 1967 and had really forgotten the song since then, until I heard it on a replay of Cool Hand Luke a few days ago.   It is amazing how a song like that will revive long "lost" memories and how one song can make and carry a movie. I will buy the DVD for that song alone.

I have listened to sound clips of the soundtrack CD, which I plan on purchasing, but only heard the instrumental banjo music. That music tempo slows to adagio, almost largo (click on link below). The melody is melancholy with a beautiful string section backup. This is a poignant part of the film when Luke is being released from the solitary confinement in the sweat box. These are the classic words from a compassionate guard that likes Luke and is releasing him after many days:

Your maw's in the ground now, God rest her soul
You best forget about it Luke, you gotta day and a half lay in
Tomorrows a holiday.

Luke then walks barefooted in his nightshirt through the prison grounds with the banjo melody moving softly and largo.
Was Newman's rendition ever recorded on CD? If not, I will get the DVD anyway. If you haven't seen this film, you "otta"!

Thanks, Cruiser

a href="http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/product.asp?userid=2WORZ2CRUM&ean=651702634323">Plasitc Jesus Audio Clip 10